Compositions and methods for detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2)

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits for detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2). In certain embodiments, provided herein are HPgV-2 specific nucleic acid probes and primers, and methods for detecting HPgV-2 nucleic acid. In other embodiments, provided herein are HPgV-2 immunogenic composition compositions, methods of treating a subject with immunogenic HPgV-2 peptides, and methods of detecting HPgV-2 subject antibodies in a sample.

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 62/018,282, filed Jun. 27, 2014, and U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 62/107,782, filed Jan. 26, 2015, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

This invention was made with government support under Grant No. R01-HL105704 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The Government has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits for detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2). In certain embodiments, provided herein are HPgV-2 specific nucleic acid probes and primers, and methods for detecting HPgV-2 nucleic acid. In other embodiments, provided herein are HPgV-2 immunogenic compositions, methods of treating a subject with immunogenic portions of HPgV-2, and methods of detecting HPgV-2 specific subject antibodies in a sample.

BACKGROUND

Within the family Flaviviridae, viruses belonging to the genus Hepacivirus have been shown to cause hepatitis (Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and GB virus (GBV-B)). The newly defined genus Pegivirus contains viruses similar to Hepaciviruses in genome organization but distinct in tropism and associated pathogenicity (Stapleton et al., J Gen Virol 2011: 92: 233-246). All members of the family Flaviviridae contain a positive sense, single stranded RNA genome of about 10 kb, that encodes for a single long open reading frame (ORF) polyprotein of about 3,000 amino acids (Lindenbach et al., Flaviviridae: The Viruses and Their Replication. Chapter 33. In Fields Virology Fifth Edition, (Knipe et al., Eds.) Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams and Williams, Philadelphia Pa. Pages 1101-1152). The polyprotein is cleaved into smaller functional structural and nonstructural (NS) components by a combination of host and viral proteases. The viral structural proteins are encoded at the amino terminal portion of the genome and include envelope glycoproteins and a nucleocapsid. While HCV and GBV-B encode a nucleocapsid protein, HPgV-1 does not appear encode a nucleocapsid protein in the polyprotein. Phylogenetic analysis show distinct evolutionary lineages between the genera but conserved amino acid motifs involved in the enzymatic functions of the NS3 helicase and the NS5 RNA dependent RNA polymerase. The genome is organized with 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) that are highly conserved and that are involved both in translation and in replication of the genome.

The Pegivirus genus, is named for the persistent (pe) GB virus (g) infection that is not associated with a specific pathogenicity. In 1995-1996, the first human pegivirus, GVB-C (HPgV-1), was detected independently by two groups in sera from patients with non-A, non-B hepatitis. Although originally discovered in chronic hepatitis patients, HPgV-1 appears to be lymphotropic, and not hepatotropic, and has not been associated with hepatitis or any other clinical illness in follow-up clinical and experimental studies. Some studies, however, have suggested that co-infection with HPgV-1 may slow the progression of HIV disease (Heringlake S, J Infect Dis 1998; 177:1723-1726). Together the incidence rate of HCV and HPgV-1 is estimated to be between 2-5% of the world's population (Stapleton et al., J Gen Virol 2011: 92: 233-246).

Pegiviruses infect a wide range of mammals, not limited to chimpanzees, new world primates, bats, rodents, and horses. Recently there have been viral discovery reports indicating the novel hepaciviruses and pegiviruses have been identified in rodents and that bats may be a natural reservoir for these genera of the Flavivirdae (Quan et al., PNAS 110: 8194-8199. 2013: Drexler et al., PLoS Pathog 9 (6) e1003438. 2013: Kapoor et al., mBIo 4(2) e000216-13. 2013). The only pegiviruses previously known to infect humans is HPgV-1. There is considerable sequence divergence between pegivirus variants in the structural proteins and conservation within the nonstructural NS3 and NS5B genes (Kapoor A, mBio. 2013 March-April; 4(2): e00216-13). Sampling of bats from different continents shows several distinct bat-derived pegivirus lineages suggesting bats are a natural reservoir for pegiviruses (Quan P, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. May 14, 2013; 110(20): 8194-8199). Characterization of HPgV-2 described in this patent shows the viral variant is distinct from the other human-tropic virus HPgV-1.

Recently, it has been proposed that Theiler's disease, the most common cause of acute hepatitis in horses, is likely to be caused by TDAV (Theiler's Disease Associated Virus), a newly described horse flavivirus, phylogenetically related to the GB viruses (Chandriana et al., PNAS 110 (15): E 1407-1415. 2013) and classified as a pegivirus. Thus, unlike the case for HPgV-1, where there has been no clear association with disease, TDAV appears to be causally related to hepatitis cases in horses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits for detecting a human virus which has been termed “human Pegivirus 2” (HPgV-2) based on certain homology to human Pegivirus 1. In certain embodiments, provided herein are HPgV-2 specific nucleic acid probes and primers, and methods for detecting HPgV-2 nucleic acid. In other embodiments, provided herein are HPgV-2 immunogenic compositions, methods of treating a subject with immunogenic HPgV-2 peptides, and methods of detecting HPgV-2 specific subject antibodies in a sample.

In some embodiments, provided herein are compositions comprising a synthetic nucleic acid molecule which comprises at least 12 (e.g., at least 12 . . . 15 . . . 25 . . . 35 . . . 45 . . . or 55) consecutive nucleotides from human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2), and/or the encoded peptides from such nucleic acids, such as from type UC0125.US (aka “index case”), ABT0070P.US, ABT0096P.US, ABT0029A, ABT0239AN, ABT0055A, ABT0030P.US, ABT0041P.US, ABT0188P.US, and/or ABT0128AUS.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are compositions comprising a synthetic nucleic acid molecule, wherein said synthetic nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 12 nucleotides in length (e.g., at least 12 . . . 15 . . . 18 . . . 27 . . . 35 . . . etc.) that hybridizes under stringent conditions (e.g., highly stringent conditions) to region 1, region 2, region 3, or region 4 of a genomic sequence of human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) or complement thereof, wherein the genomic sequence of HPgV-2 is shown in SEQ ID NO:1, 75, and 299-303, and wherein region 1 is nucleotides 1-1401 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, region 2 is nucleotides 1431-4777 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, region 3 is nucleotides 4818-8134 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, and region 4 is nucleotides 8167-9778 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75.

In particular embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecule is at least 15 nucleotides in length and no more than 75 nucleotides in length. In further embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecule comprises a detectable label (e.g., fluorescent label, chemiluminescent, enzymatic, etc.). In further embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecule comprises at least one modified base (e.g., for nuclease resistance, higher binding efficiency, etc.). In certain embodiments, all or nearly all of the nucleotides are modified. In particular embodiments, at least one modified base is selected from the group consisting of: phosphorothioate, boranophosphate, 4′-thio-ribose, locked nucleic acid, 2′-O-(2′-methoxyethyl), 2′-O-methyl, 2′-fluoro, 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-b-D-arabinonucleic acid, phosphonoacetate, 2′-3′-seco-RNA, Morpholino nucleic acid analog, Peptide nucleic acid analog, phosphorodithioate, phosphoramidate, methylphosphonate, 4-acetylcytosine, 8-hydroxy-N6-methyladenosine, aziridinylcytosine, pseudoisocytosine, 5-(carboxyhydroxylmethyl)uracil, 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, inosine, N6-isopentenyladenine, 1-methyladenine, 1-methylpseudouracil, 1-methylguanine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-methyladenine, 7-methylguanine, 5-methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxy-aminomethyl-2-thiouracil, beta-D-mannosylqueosine, 5′-methoxycarbonylmethyluracil, 5-methoxyuracil, 2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyladenine, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methylester, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid, oxybutoxosine, pseudouracil, queosine, 2-thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 5-methyluracil, N-uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methylester, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid, pseudouracil, queosine, 2-thiocytosine, 2,6-diaminopurine, 2-aminopurine, 5-amino-allyluracil, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-iodouracil, 5-nitroindole, 5-propynylcytosine, 5-propynyluracil, hypoxanthine, N3-methyluracil, N6,N6-dimethyladenine, purine, C-5-propynyl cytosine, C-5-propynyl uracil, and difluorotouyl.

In particular embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecule comprises DNA (e.g., the entire or nearly the entire nucleic acid molecules is DNA). In further embodiments, the composition further comprises a hybridization and/or amplification buffer. In other embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecule is linked to a heterologous nucleic acid sequence (e.g., an expression vector, a sequencing tag, a promoter, etc.).

In certain embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecule hybridizes to a portion of the HPgV-2 genome selected from the group consisting of: the 5′UTR, the S gene, the E1 gene, the E2 gene, the X gene, and the NS2 gene. In particular embodiments, the 5′ UTR is nucleotides 1-103 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 1-110 of SEQ ID NO:75, nucleotides 1-327 of SEQ ID NOs:299-301, 419, and 430, nucleotides 12-327 of SEQ ID NO:302, and nucleotides 24-327 of SEQ ID NO:303; said S gene is nucleotides 104-475 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 111-482 of SEQ ID NO:75, or nucleotides 328-564 of SEQ ID NOs: 299-303, 419, and 430; said E1 gene is nucleotides 476-1048 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 483-1055 of SEQ ID NO:75, or nucleotides 565-1137 of SEQ ID NOs:299-303; said E2 gene is nucleotides 1049-2110 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 1056-2117 of SEQ ID NO:75, or nucleotides 1138-2199 of SEQ ID NOs:299-303, 419, and 430; said X gene is nucleotides 2111-2821 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 2118-2828 of SEQ ID NO:75, or nucleotides 2200-2910 of SEQ ID NOs:299-303, 419, and 430; and said NS2 gene is nucleotides 2822-3541 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 2829-3548 of SEQ ID NO:75, or nucleotides 2911-3630 of SEQ ID NOs:299-303, 419, and 430. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule hybridizes to a portion of said HPgV-2 genome selected from the group consisting of: the NS3 gene, the NS4A gene, the NS4B gene, the NS5A gene, the NS5B gene, and the 3′UTR (e.g., as shown in any of the figures with such sequences). In some embodiments, the NS3 gene is nucleotides 3542-5425 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 3549-5432 of SEQ ID NO:75, or nucleotides 3631-5514 of SEQ ID NOs:299-303, 419, and 430; said NS4A gene is nucleotides 5426-5548 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 5433-5555 of SEQ ID NO:75, or nucleotides 5515-5637 of SEQ ID NOs:299-303, 419, and 430; said NS4B gene is nucleotides 5549-6334 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 5556-6341 of SEQ ID NO:75, or nucleotides 5638-6423 of SEQ ID NOs:299-303, 419, and 430; said NS5A gene is nucleotides 6335-7708 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 6342-7715 of SEQ ID NO:75, or nucleotides 6424-7797 of SEQ ID NOs:299-303 and 430, or 6424-7794 of SEQ ID NO:419; said NS5B gene is nucleotides 7709-9409 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 7716-9416 of SEQ ID NO:75 or nucleotides 7798-9498 of SEQ ID NOs:299-303 and 430, or 7795-9495 of SEQ ID NO:419; and wherein at least a portion of said 3′UTR is nucleotides 9410-9778 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 9417-9431 of SEQ ID NO:75, or nucleotides 9499-9867 of SEQ ID NOs:299-303 and 430, or 9496-9864 of SEQ ID NO:419.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are compositions comprising a synthetic nucleic acid molecule, wherein the synthetic nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 12 nucleotides in length (e.g., at least 12 . . . 15 . . . 25 . . . or 35 nucleotides in length) that: i) does not hybridize under stringent conditions (e.g., highly stringent conditions) to three regions of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75 selected from 1402-1430, 4778-4817, and 8135-8166, and ii) does hybridize under stringent conditions (e.g., highly stringent conditions) to: a) a 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) or complement thereof, wherein the 5′UTR has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in nucleotides 1-103 of SEQ ID NO:1 or nucleotides 1-110 of SEQ ID NO:75; b) a first nucleic acid sequence, or complement thereof, wherein the first nucleic acid sequence encodes a HPgV-2 S-protein with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, 76, 304, 314, 324, 334, or 344; c) a second nucleic acid sequence, or complement thereof, wherein the second nucleic acid sequence encodes a HPgV-2 E1 protein with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:3, 77, 305, 315, 325, 335, or 345; d) a third nucleic acid sequence, or complement thereof, wherein the third nucleic acid sequence encodes a HPgV-2 E2 protein with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:4, 78, 306, 316, 326, 336, or 346; e) a fourth nucleic acid sequence, or complement thereof, wherein the fourth nucleic acid sequence encodes a HPgV-2 X-protein with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:5, 79, 307, 317, 327, 337, or 347; f) a fifth nucleic acid sequence, or complement thereof, wherein the fifth nucleic acid sequence encodes a HPgV-2 NS2 protein with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:6, 80, 308, 318, 328, 338, or 348; g) a sixth nucleic acid sequence, or complement thereof, wherein the sixth nucleic acid sequence encodes a HPgV-2 NS3 protein with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:7, 81, 309, 319, 329, 339, or 349; h) a seventh nucleic acid sequence, or complement thereof, wherein the seventh nucleic acid sequence encodes a HPgV-2 NS4A protein with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:8, 82, 310, 320, 330, 340, or 350; i) a eighth nucleic acid sequence, or complement thereof, wherein the eighth nucleic acid sequence encodes a HPgV-2 NS4B protein with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:9, 83, 311, 321, 331, 341, or 351; j) a ninth nucleic acid sequence, or complement thereof, wherein the ninth nucleic acid sequence encodes a HPgV-2 NS5A protein with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:10, 84, 312, 322, 332, 342, or 352; k) a tenth nucleic acid sequence, or complement thereof, wherein the tenth nucleic acid sequence encodes a HPgV-2 NS5B protein with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:11, 85, 313, 323, 333, 343, or 353; and l) a 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of Human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) or complement thereof, wherein at least a portion of the 3′UTR has a nucleic acid sequence as shown in nucleotides 9410-9778 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 9417-9431 of SEQ ID NO:75, or nucleotides 9499-9867 of SEQ ID NOs:299-303

In certain embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecule is at least 15 nucleotides in length and no more than 75 nucleotides in length. In further embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecule comprises a detectable label. In other embodiments, the composition further comprises a hybridization and/or amplification buffer. In some embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecule is linked to a heterologous nucleic acid sequence. In other embodiments, the heterologous nucleic acid sequence comprises an expression vector. In additional embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecule comprises at least one modified base. In further embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecules comprises DNA.

In particular embodiments, provided herein are compositions comprising a synthetic nucleic acid molecule, wherein said synthetic nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that has at least 75% identity (e.g., at least 75% . . . 85% . . . 95% . . . 99% or 99.5%) to a portion of region 1, region 2, region 3, or region 4 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75 or complement thereof, or to a portion of SEQ ID NOs:299-303 or 354-356, wherein said portion is at least 15 nucleotides in length (e.g., at least 15 . . . 25 . . . 37 . . . 48 . . . 57 . . . or 65 nucleotides in length), and wherein region 1 is nucleotides 1-1401 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, region 2 is nucleotides 1431-4777 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, region 3 is nucleotides 4818-8134 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, and region 4 is nucleotides 8167-9778 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75. In certain embodiments, the portion is at least 15 nucleotides in length, but not more than 75 nucleotides in length. In other embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecule comprises a detectable label. In additional embodiments, the composition further comprises a hybridization and/or amplification buffer. In other embodiments, the synthetic nucleic acid molecule is linked to a heterologous nucleic acid sequence. In certain embodiments, the heterologous nucleic acid sequence comprises an expression vector.

In some embodiments, provided herein are compositions comprising a substantially purified recombinant peptide, wherein the recombinant peptide comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 75% identity (e.g., at least 75% . . . 85% . . . 95% or 99% identity) to a portion of any one of SEQ ID NOs:2-11, 76-85, 304-353, 420-429, or 431-440, wherein the portion is at least 10 amino acids in length (e.g., at least 10 . . . 15 . . . 25 . . . or 35 amino acids in length). In particular embodiments, the recombinant peptide is conjugated to a label (e.g., at detectable label or a hapten). In other embodiments, the peptides are glycosylated (e.g., an E2 glycosylated peptide). In further embodiments, the compositions further comprise a physiologically tolerable buffer suitable for injection into a mammal.

In some embodiments, described herein are methods for detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) nucleic acid comprising: a) contacting a sample suspected of containing HPgV-2 nucleic acid with a nucleic acid molecule, wherein the nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 12 nucleotides in length (e.g., at least 12 . . . 18 . . . 25 . . . 35 . . . or more) that hybridizes under stringent conditions (e.g., highly stringent conditions) to SEQ ID NOs:299-303, or to region 1, region 2, region 3, or region 4 of a genomic sequence of human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) or complement thereof, wherein the genomic sequence of HPgV-2 is shown in SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, and wherein region 1 is nucleotides 1-1401 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, region 2 is nucleotides 1431-4777 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, region 3 is nucleotides 4818-8134 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, and region 4 is nucleotides 8167-9778 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75; and b) detecting the presence or absence of hybridization of the nucleic acid molecule to the HPgV-2 nucleic acid, wherein detecting said presence of hybridization indicates the presence of the HPgV-2 nucleic acid in said sample.

In certain embodiments, the nucleotide sequence is at least 15 nucleotides in length and wherein the nucleic acid molecule is no more than 75 nucleotides in length (e.g., 15 . . . 25 . . . 39 . . . 54 . . . 68 . . . 75). In other embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule comprises a detectable label. In further embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule hybridizes to a portion of the HPgV-2 genome selected from the group consisting of: the 5′UTR, the S gene, the E1 gene, the E2 gene, the X gene, and the NS2 gene.

In additional embodiments, provided herein are methods for detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) nucleic acid comprising: a) contacting a sample suspected of containing HPgV-2 nucleic acid with a first primer such that HPgV-2 amplification products are produced, wherein the first primer comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 12 nucleotides in length that hybridizes under stringent conditions (e.g., highly stringent conditions) to SEQ ID NOs:299-303, or to region 1, region 2, region 3, or region 4 of a genomic sequence of human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) or complement thereof, (or, if a second primer is employed, the first primer hybridizes under stringent conditions (e.g., highly stringent conditions) to any portion of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75), wherein said genomic sequence of HPgV-2 is shown, for example, in SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, and wherein region 1 nucleotides 1-1401 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, region 2 is nucleotides 1431-4777 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, region 3 is nucleotides 4818-8134 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, and region 4 is nucleotides 8167-9778 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75; and b) detecting said HPgV-2 amplification products, thereby detecting the presence of the HPgV-2 nucleic acid in said sample (e.g., detecting type UC0125.US, ABT0070P.US, ABT0096P.US, ABT0029A, ABT0239AN, ABT0030P.US, ABT0041P.US, ABT0188P.US, and/or ABT0128A.US). In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise contacting the sample with a second primer that comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 12 nucleotides in length that hybridizes to SEQ ID NOs:1, 75, 299-303, 419, 430, or complement thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second primers together generate an amplicon that is between 50 and 400 base pairs in length. In certain embodiments, the amplified nucleic acid is sequenced (e.g., adapters are ligated onto the amplified nucleic acid and it is subjected to sequencing protocol).

In other embodiments, the detecting comprises sequencing the HPgV-2 amplification products. In additional embodiments, the first and/or second primer is at least 15 nucleotides in length and no more than 75 nucleotides in length. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second primer comprises a detectable label. In further embodiments, the first primer hybridizes to a portion of the HPgV-2 genome selected from the group consisting of: the 5′UTR, the S gene, the E1 gene, the E2 gene, the X gene, and the NS2 gene.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) in a sample comprising: a) contacting a sample suspected of containing human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) with an antibody (e.g., biotin labeled antibody) that specifically binds a portion of the HPgV-2 to form a HPgV-2/antibody complex, wherein the antibody is a full antibody or an antigen binding portion of a full antibody (Fab fragment or Fc fragment); and b) detecting the presence of the HPgV-2/antibody complex, thereby detecting the presence of the HPgV-2.

In certain embodiment, the HPgV-2 comprises the amino acid sequences encoded by the nucleic acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1, 75, 299-303, 419, or 430. In further embodiments, the portion of the HPgV-2 is part of a HPgV-2 protein selected from the group consisting of: the S protein, the E1 protein, the E2 protein, the X protein, the NS2 protein, the NS3 protein, the NS4A protein, the NS4B protein, the NS5A protein, and the NS5B protein. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the S protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:2, 76, 304, 314, 324, 334, 334, 420, or 431, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:2, 76, 304, 314, 324, 334, 344, 420, or 431. In additional embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the E1 protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:3, 77, 305, 315, 325, 335, 345, 421, or 432, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:3, 77, 305, 315, 325, 335, 345, 421, or 432. In further embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the E2 protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:4, 78, 306, 316, 326, 336, 346, 422, 433, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:4, 78, 306, 316, 326, 336, 346, 422, or 433. In other embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the X protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:5, 79, 307, 317, 327, 337, 347, 423, 434, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:5, 79, 307, 317, 327, 337, 347, 423, or 434. In additional embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the NS2 protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:6, 80, 308, 318, 328, 338, 348, 424, 435, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:6, 80, 308, 318, 328, 338, 348, 424, or 435. In additional embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the NS3 protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:7, 81, 309, 319, 329, 339, 349, 425, 436, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:7, 81, 309, 319, 329, 339, 349, 425, or 436. In additional embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the NS4A protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:8, 82, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 426, 437, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NOs:8, 82, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 426, or 437. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the NS4B protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:9, 83, 311, 321, 331, 341, 351, 427, 438, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:9, 83, 311, 321, 331, 341, 351, 427, or 438. In further embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the NS5A protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:10, 84, 312, 322, 332, 342, 352, 428, 439, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:10, 84, 312, 322, 332, 342, 352, 428, or 439. In additional embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the NS5B protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:11, 85, 313, 323, 333, 343, 353, 429, 440, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:11, 85, 313, 323, 333, 343, 353, 429, or 440. In some embodiments, the antibody is labeled. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding portion of a full antibody comprises a Fab fragment.

In some embodiments, provided herein are methods of detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) infection in a subject comprising: a) contacting a sample from a subject suspected of containing a patient antibody to HPgV-2 with a peptide (or antibody specific for the HPgV-2 antibody), wherein the peptide (or the antibody specific for the HPgV-2 antibody) specifically binds the patient antibody to form a complex; and b) detecting the presence of the complex, thereby detecting the presence of past or present HPgV-2 infection in the subject. In certain embodiments, the peptide comprises or consists of at least part of the peptides shown in SEQ ID NOs:86-99 or 100-218, 420-429, 431-440, or variants thereof with 1 or 2 conservative amino acid changes, or with 1 or 2 non-conservative amino acid changes, or with 4 or more amino acid changes. In certain embodiments, the peptide is glycosylated (e.g., an E2 glycosylated peptide).

In other embodiments, the peptide has at least 75% identity (e.g., at least 75% . . . 85% . . . 95% . . . or 99% identity) to a portion of any one of SEQ ID NOs:2-11, 76-85, 86-99, 100-218, 304-353, 420-429, or 431-440, and wherein the portion is at least 10 amino acids in length (e.g., at least 10 . . . 15 . . . 25 . . . 30 or 35 amino acids in length). In further embodiments, the peptide is labeled. In certain embodiments, the peptide is labeled and is free in solution to bind to the subject antibody to form a complex. In certain embodiments, this complex is then bound, via the label on the peptide to a solid support that has a moiety that binds the label (e.g., streptavidin-biotin binding). In particular embodiments, a secondary antibody is added that is able to bind to the patient antibody in the complex. In other embodiments, the peptide is labeled and free in solution to bind to: 1) antibodies free solution which could then bind to an unlabeled peptide or other antigen provided on the solid phase; 2) antibodies free in solution which could then bind to an unlabeled peptide also free in solid solution but containing a biotin molecule (or other moiety) which can then be complexed to a solid phase containing a biotin-binding molecule (e.g. streptavidin, neutravidin, antibodies to biotin, etc.); or 3) an antibody/peptide complex present on the solid phase.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) infection in a subject comprising: a) contacting a sample from a subject suspected of containing a patient antibody to HPgV-2 with a peptide and a solid support, wherein said peptide comprises a label, and wherein said solid support comprises moieties that bind said label; and b) incubating said sample under conditions such that: i) said peptide specifically binds said patient antibody to form a complex, and ii) said complex binds to said solid support via said label binding at least one of said moieties; c) washing said solid support; d) adding a detectably labeled secondary antibody capable of binding said patient antibody in said complex; e) washing said solid support; and f) detecting said the presence of said complex, thereby detecting the presence of past or present HPgV-2 infection in the subject. In certain embodiments, the label on said peptide comprises biotin. In further embodiments, the moieties on said solid support comprise avidin molecules. In other embodiments, the solid support comprises beads.

In certain embodiments, the peptide comprises at least a portion of the HPgV-2 selected from the group consisting of: the S protein, the E1 protein, the E2 protein, the X protein, the NS2 protein, the NS3 protein, the NS4A protein, the NS4B protein, the NS5A protein, and the NS5B protein. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the S protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:2, 76, 304, 314, 324, 334, or 334, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:2, 76, 304, 314, 324, 334, or 344. In additional embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the E1 protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:3, 77, 305, 315, 325, 335, or 345, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:3, 77, 305, 315, 325, 335, or 345. In further embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the E2 protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:4, 78, 306, 316, 326, 336, or 346, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:4, 78, 306, 316, 326, 336, or 346. In other embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the X protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:5, 79, 307, 317, 327, 337, or 347, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:5, 79, 307, 317, 327, 337, or 347. In additional embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the NS2 protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:6, 80, 308, 318, 328, 338, or 348, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:6, 80, 308, 318, 328, 338, or 348. In additional embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the NS3 protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:7, 81, 309, 319, 329, 339, or 349, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:7, 81, 309, 319, 329, 339, or 349. In additional embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the NS4A protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:8, 82, 310, 320, 330, 340, or 350, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NOs:8, 82, 310, 320, 330, 340, or 350. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the NS4B protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:9, 83, 311, 321, 331, 341, or 351, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:9, 83, 311, 321, 331, 341, or 351. In further embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the NS5A protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:10, 84, 312, 322, 332, 342, or 352, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:10, 84, 312, 322, 332, 342, or 352. In additional embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the NS5B protein is as shown in SEQ ID NO:11, 85, 313, 323, 333, 343, or 353, or a variant having 90-99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:11, 85, 313, 323, 333, 343, or 353. In some embodiments, the antibody is labeled. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding portion of a full antibody comprises a Fab fragment.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods of sequencing HPgV-2 nucleic acid comprising: a) treating a sample to generate isolated HPgV-2 RNA; b) contacting said isolated HPgV-2 RNA with random primers, or primers specific to a region of said HPgV-2 RNA, and amplifying such that a cDNA library is generated; c) contacting said cDNA library with sequencing adapters under conditions such that an adapter-conjugated library is generated; and d) sequencing said adapter-conjugated cDNA library to at least partially determine the nucleic acid sequence of said isolated HPgV-2 RNA.

In some embodiments, provided herein are methods for treating or preventing a human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) infection in a subject comprising: administering to a subject a composition comprising attenuated or inactivated HPgV-2 particles, and/or an antigenic portion of the HPgV-2, thereby generating an immune response in the subject directed against the HPgV-2. In other embodiments, the immune response is sufficient to prevent or treat an infection by the HPgV-2. In some embodiments, the antigenic portion of the HPgV-2 comprises a peptide, wherein the peptide comprises at least a portion of the HPgV-2 selected from the group consisting of: the S protein, the E1 protein, the E2 protein, the X protein, the NS2 protein, the NS3 protein, the NS4A protein, the NS4B protein, the NS5A protein, and the NS5B protein.

In other embodiments, provided herein are immunogenic compositions suitable for administration to a subject comprising: a composition comprising attenuated or inactivated HPgV-2 particles, and/or an antigenic portion of the HPgV-2. In further embodiments, the antigenic portion of the HPgV-2 comprises a peptide, wherein the peptide wherein the peptide comprises at least a portion of the HPgV-2 selected from the group consisting of: the S protein, the E1 protein, the E2 protein, the X protein, the NS2 protein, the NS3 protein, the NS4A protein, the NS4B protein, the NS5A protein, and the NS5B protein.

In further embodiments, provided herein are kits or systems for detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) comprising at least one of the following components: a) a first composition comprising a first synthetic nucleic acid molecule, wherein the first synthetic nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 12 nucleotides in length that hybridizes under stringent conditions to SEQ ID NOs:209-303, 419, 430, or to region 1, region 2, region 3, or region 4 of a genomic sequence of human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) or complement thereof, wherein the genomic sequence of HPgV-2 is shown in SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, and wherein region 1 is nucleotides 1-1401 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, region 2 is nucleotides 1431-4777 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, region 3 is nucleotides 4818-8134 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, and region 4 is nucleotides 8167-9778 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75; and b) a second composition comprising a second synthetic nucleic acid molecule, wherein the second synthetic nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that has at least 75% identity to a portion of SEQ ID NOs:209-303, or to region 1, region 2, region 3, or region 4 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75 or complement thereof, wherein the portion is at least 15 nucleotides in length (e.g., at least 15 . . . 24 . . . 37 . . . etc.), and wherein region 1 is nucleotides 1-1401 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, region 2 is nucleotides 1431-4777 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, region 3 is nucleotides 4818-8134 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75, and region 4 is nucleotides 8167-9778 of SEQ ID NO:1 or 75. In some embodiments, the kits and systems further comprise an additional component selected from the group consisting of: an amplification buffer; reagents for sequencing, reagents for PCR, written instructions for using the first or second synthetic nucleic acid molecule; a liquid container for holding the first and/or second composition; and a shipping container for holding the liquid container.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are kits and systems for detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) comprising a composition comprising a substantially purified recombinant peptide, wherein the recombinant peptide comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 75% identity (e.g., at least 75% . . . 85% . . . 95% . . . 99% identity) to a portion of any one of SEQ ID NOs:2-11, 76-85, 86-99, 100-218, 304-353, 420-429, and 431-440, and wherein the portion is at least 10 amino acids in length (e.g., at least 10 . . . 15 . . . 25 or 35 amino acids in length). In other embodiments, the kits comprise an antibody (e.g., biotin labeled antibody) specific to a patient's HPgV-2 antibody. In some embodiments, the kits and systems further comprise an additional component selected from the group consisting of: an immunoassay buffer; immunoassay beads, chemiluminescent microparticles, a solid support (e.g., a solid support capable of binding biotin, such as an avidin labeled solid support), such as beads, with the recombinant peptide attached thereto, reagents for a sandwich assay, written instructions for using the composition to detect patient antibodies; a liquid container for holding the composition; and a shipping container for holding the liquid container.

In some embodiments, provided herein are methods of assaying for an anti-HPgV-2 compound comprising: a) contacting a sample containing a human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) with a test compound; and b) determining whether the test compound inhibits HPgV-2 replication, wherein inhibition of HPgV-2 replication indicates that the test compound is an anti-HPgV-2 compound.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are compositions comprising a substantially purified recombinant peptide, wherein said recombinant peptide comprises at least one of the following: a) a first amino acid sequence that comprises at least 17 consecutive amino acids (e.g., at least 17 . . . 24 . . . 35 . . . or more) from the HPgV-2 NS3 protein; b) a second amino acid sequence that comprises at least 13 consecutive amino acids from the HPgV-2 NS5B protein (e.g., at least 13 . . . 17 . . . 25 . . . 35 or more); c) a third amino acid sequence that comprises at least 11 consecutive amino acids (e.g., at least 11 . . . 15 . . . 19 . . . 25 . . . 35 or more) from the HPgV-2 NS2 protein; d) a fourth amino acid sequence that comprises at least 8 consecutive amino acids (e.g., at least 8 . . . 11 . . . 15 . . . 23 . . . 35 or more) from the HPgV-2 NS4B protein; e) a fifth amino acid sequence that comprises at least 5 consecutive amino acids from the HPgV-2 NS4a protein (e.g., at least 5 . . . 10 . . . 18 . . . 25 . . . 35 or more); f) a sixth amino acid sequence that comprises at least 6 consecutive amino acids (e.g., at least 6 . . . 12 . . . 18 . . . 25 . . . 35 or more) from the HPgV-2 S protein; g) a seventh amino acid sequence that comprises at least 6 consecutive amino acids (e.g., at least 6 . . . 12 . . . 17 . . . 25 . . . 35 or more) from the HPgV-2 E1 protein; and h) an eighth amino acid sequence that comprises at least 8 consecutive amino acid (e.g., at least 8 . . . 14 . . . 25 . . . 35 or more) from the HPgV-2 X protein. In particular embodiments, the HPgV-2 NS3 protein is as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 7, 81, 309, 319, 329, 339, and 349. In other embodiments, the HPgV-2 NS5B protein is as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 11, 85, 313, 323, 333, 343, or 353. In additional embodiments, the HPgV-2 NS2 protein is as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 6, 80, 308, 318, 328, 338, or 348. In additional embodiments, the HPgV-2 NS4B protein is as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 9, 83, 311, 321, 331, 341, or 351. In further embodiments, the HPgV-2 NS4a protein is as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 8, 82, 310, 320, 330, 340, or 350. In other embodiments, the HPgV-2 S protein is as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 2, 76, 304, 314, 324, 334, or 344. In further embodiments, the HPgV-2 E1 protein is as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3, 77, 305, 315, 325, 335, or 345. In additional embodiments, the HPgV-2 X protein is as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 5, 79, 307, 317, 327, 337, or 347.

In certain embodiments, the peptides and proteins described herein are expressed recombinantly in prokaryotic cells. In other embodiments, the peptides and proteins described herein (e.g., E1 and E1) are expressed recombinantly in mammalian cells.

In some embodiments, provided herein are methods (and corresponding kits with recited components) for detection of HPgV-2 antigen and HPgV-2 antibody in a test sample comprising: a) providing the following reagents: i) a solid phase capable of binding to biotin, ii) biotinylated anti-HPgV-2 antibody for the capture of an HPgV-2 antigen present said test sample; iii) a biotinylated HPgV-2 antigen for the capture of anti-HPgV-2 antibody in said test sample; and iv) a detectably labeled HPgV-2 antigen for binding to anti-HPgV-2 antibody captured by the biotinylated HPgV-2 antigen of (iii); and b) incubating the reagents of step (a) under conditions to produce a reaction mixture that: (i) the biotinylated anti-HPgV-2 antibody of (a)(ii) binds to said solid phase through said biotin and specifically binds to HPgV-2 antigen present in said test sample to produce an anti-HPgV-2 antibody-HPgV-2 antigen complex captured on said solid phase; (ii) the biotinylated antigen of (a)(iii) binds to said solid phase through said biotin and specifically binds to anti-HPgV-2 antibodies present in said test sample to produce an HPgV-2 antigen-anti-HPgV-2 antibody complex captured on said solid phase and said detectably labeled HPgV-2 antigen of (a)(iv) specifically binds to the anti-HPgV-2 antibody in said an HPgV-2 antigen-anti-HPgV-2 antibody complex captured on said solid phase; c) isolating solid phase that comprises attached captured antibody, and captured HPgV-2 antigen from unreacted test sample and reagents, d) contacting the isolated solid phase with a detectably labeled conjugate antibody that binds to said HPgV-2 antigen captured in the an anti-HPgV-2-antibody-HPgV-2 antigen complex of (b)(ii); and e) detecting the signal generated from the detectable label moieties upon triggering of said signal, wherein presence of said signal indicates presence of HPgV-2 in said test sample.

In certain embodiments, the methods (and corresponding kits) further comprise providing: (v) a second biotinylated HPgV-2 antigen for the capture of anti-HPgV-2 antibody in said test sample wherein said second HPgV-2 antigen is distinct from the HPgV-2 antigen in step (aiii); and (vi) a detectably labeled HPgV-2 antigen for binding to anti-HPgV-2 antibody captured by the biotinylated HPgV2 antigen of (v); and (b) (iii) the biotinylated antigen of (a)(v) binds to said solid phase through said biotin and specifically binds to anti-HPgV-2 antibodies present in said test sample to produce an HPgV-2 antigen-anti-HPgV-2 antibody complex captured on said solid phase and said detectably labeled HPgV-2 antigen of (a)(vi) specifically binds to the anti-HPgV-2 antibody in said an HPgV-2 antigen-anti-HPgV-2 antibody complex captured on said solid phase. In certain embodiments, the methods further comprises: (a) providing (vii) a third biotinylated HPgV-2 antigen for the capture of anti-HPgV-2 antibody in said test sample wherein said third HPgV-2 antigen is distinct from the HPgV-2 antigen in step 1(a)(iii) or step 2(a)(v); and (viii) a detectably labeled HPgV-2 antigen for binding to anti-HPgV-2 antibody captured by the biotinylated HPgV-2 antigen of (vii); and (b) (iv) the biotinylated antigen of (a)(vii) binds to said solid phase through said biotin and specifically binds to anti-HPgV-2 antibodies present in said test sample to produce an HPgV-2 antigen-anti-HPgV-2 antibody complex captured on said solid phase and said detectably labeled HPgV2 antigen of (a)(viii) specifically binds to the anti-HPgV-2 antibody in said an HPgV-2 antigen-anti-HPgV2 antibody complex captured on said solid phase.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for the simultaneous detection of both HPgV-2 antigens and HPgV-2 antibodies in a test sample, wherein said combination assay comprises: a) protein; a first capture antigen comprising a peptide sequence of a first HPgV-2, b) a first detection antigen comprising a peptide sequence of a first HPgV-2 protein and further comprising a detectable label, c) a second capture antigen comprising an antigenic sequence from a second HPgV-2 protein, d) a second detection antigen comprising an antigenic sequence from a second HPgV-2 protein and further comprising a detectable label, e) a third capture antigen comprising an antigenic sequence from a third HPgV-2 protein, f) a third detection antigen comprising an antigenic sequence from a third HPgV-2 protein and further comprising a detectable label, g) a first capture antibody, h) a conjugate antibody comprising a detectable label, wherein said capture antibody and said conjugate antibody specifically bind a fourth HPgV-2 protein from said test sample, and said combination assay is performed by: (i) contacting said test sample with said capture antigen, said detection antigen, said capture antibody and said conjugate antibody under conditions to allow: a) formation of a sandwich complex between said first capture antigen and said detection antigen and first anti-HPgV-2 antibody present in said test sample; b) formation of a sandwich complex between said second capture antigen and said second detection antigen and an anti-HPgV-2 antibody against said second HPgV-2 protein present in said test sample; c) formation of a sandwich complex between said third capture antigen and said third detection antigen and an anti-HPgV-2 antibody against said third HPgV-2 protein present in said test sample; and d) formation of a complex between said capture antibody, said conjugate antibody and an HPgV-2 antigen present in said sample; and (ii) measuring a signal generated from said detectable labels as a result of formation of said complexes, thereby simultaneously detecting HPgV-2 antigens and HPgV-2 antibodies present in said sample.

In certain embodiments, the compositions and kits described anywhere herein further comprise at least one reagent selected from the group consisting of: microparticles (e.g., configured to bind a label on the peptide), Na Pyrophosphate (e.g., pH 6.3), NaCl (e.g., about 0.9 M), EDTA, Sucrose, Tergitol 15-S-40, BME, Tergitol 15-S-9, Azide (e.g., 0.08%), Korasilon Antifoam (e.g., 1 ppm), Bis-Tris buffer (e.g., pH 6.3), Sorbitol, Dextran, PVSA, BSA, Benzethonium chloride, Heparin sodium salt, Sodium fluoride, Triton X-100, Gentamycine, A56620, Glycine, Lauryl sulfobetaine, Palmityl sulfobetaine, Stearyl sulfobetaine, C16TAB, C18TAB, CHAPS, Saponin, Methyl Cellulose, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium azide, Urea, HCl, C12TAB, Palmityl sulfobetaine, Stearyl sulfobetaine, Maltose, Citric acid, 2-Diethylaminoethanthiol, NaHCO3/Na2CO3, Laurylsulfobetaine, CHAPS, NaOH, MES Buffer w/Triton X-405, NaCl, BSA, Nipasept, Quinolone, TRIS Buffer w/CKS protein, Yeast SOD, Triton X-405, Goat serum, EDTA, Quinolone, Antifoam, Dentran sulfate, Proclin, Gentamicin sulfate, labeled (e.g., acridinium labeled) anti-human IgG or IgM monoclonal antibody, streptavidin labeled microparticles, NFDM, SB3-14, PVSA (e.g., 0.8%), ACD, CPDA-1, CPD, CP2D, potassium oxalate, sodium EDTA, potassium EDTA sodium citrate, heparin, lithium heparin, sodium heparin, and sodium citrate.

In some embodiments, provided herein are methods of detecting both human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) and human Pegivirus 1 (HPgV-1; aka GVC-C) infection in a subject comprising: a) contacting a sample from a subject suspected of containing a subject antibody to HPgV-2 and a subject antibody to HPgV-1, with a HPgV-2 derived peptide and a HPgV-1 derived peptide, wherein said peptides specifically bind said subject antibodies to form a complexes; and b) detecting the presence of said complexes, thereby detecting the presence of past or present HPgV-2 and HPgV-1 infection in said subject. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) nucleic acid and human Pegivirus 1 (HPgV-1; aka GBV-C) nucleic acid comprising: a) contacting a sample suspected of containing HPgV-2 and HPgV-1 nucleic acid with: i) a first nucleic acid molecule at least 12 nucleotides in length that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid sequence of HPgV-2, and ii) a second nucleic acid molecule at least 12 nucleotides in length that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid sequence of HPgV-1, and b) detecting the presence or absence of hybridization of said first and second nucleic acid molecules to said HPgV-2 and HPgV-1 nucleic acid, wherein detecting said presence of hybridization indicates the presence of said HPgV-2 and HPgV-1 nucleic acid in said sample. In certain embodiments, the peptide and amino acid sequences for detecting HPgV-1 and HPgV-1 subject antibodies are found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,870,042 and Souza et al., J. Clin. Microbiol., 2006, 44(9):3105-3113.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are compositions comprising an anti-HPgV-2 antibody. Such antibody can be generated using any of the peptides described herein as an immunogen in a host animal (e.g., mouse, rabbit, etc.), such that polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies to HPgV-2 are generated.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A-C provide a genomic nucleic acid sequence of an HPgV-2 isolate called UC0125.US, which is labeled SEQ ID NO:1. It is understood that the HPgV-2 genome is a positive strand RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO:1 is shown with the uracils as thymine.

FIGS. 2A-C show the amino acid sequences and describes the nucleic acid sequences of HPgV-2 index case UC0125.US. FIG. 2A shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:2) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 104-475 of SEQ ID NO:1) of the S protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:3) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 476-1048 of SEQ ID NO:1) of the E1 protein of HPgV-2; 3) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:4) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 1049-2110 of SEQ ID NO:1) of the E2 protein of HPgV-2; and 4) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:5) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 2111-2821 of SEQ ID NO:1) of the X protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 2B shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:6) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 2822-3541 of SEQ ID NO:1) of the NS2 protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:7) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 3542-5425 of SEQ ID NO:1) of the NS3 protein of HPgV-2; 3) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:8) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 5426-5548 of SEQ ID NO:1) of the NS4A protein of HPgV-2; and 4) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:9) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 5549-6334 of SEQ ID NO:1) of the NS4B protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 2C shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:10) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 6335-7708 of SEQ ID NO:1) of the NS5A protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:11) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 7709-9409 of SEQ ID NO:1) of the NS5B protein of HPgV-2; 3) the 5′ UTR nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 1-103 of SEQ ID NO:1) of HPgV-2; and 4) the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 9410-9778 of SEQ ID NO:1) of the 3′ UTR of HPgV-2.

FIGS. 3A-N show an annotated version of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 with the corresponding encoded amino acid sequence below.

FIG. 4 shows a cloned portion of the HPgV-2 genome representing nucleotides 3253-4512 of SEQ ID NO:1, along with seven sets of primers and probes (underlined) used for qPCR in Example 3.

FIGS. 5A-B show the results of the qPCR TaqMan based detection assays in Example 3 below. In particular, FIG. 5A shows HPgV-2 primer/TaqMan probe sets (1-2-3-5-7; see FIG. 4 for sequences and positions) were used to detect 10-fold serial dilutions of the NS23Ex in vitro transcript and a 10-fold dilution of the HPgV-2 index case (UC0125.US) RNA (highlighted in bold). The lower right panel shows detection of 100 ng of NS23Ex and HPgV-2 RNA for each primer/probe set. FIG. 5B shows Ct values that were normalized to set 1_100 ng results and plotted on a log scale to estimate the amount of HPgV-2 RNA present in the index case. Negative controls included in the experiment were: 1) water, 2) pTRI (an irrelevant in vitro transcript), 3) CHU2725 (HIV+/GBV-C+ sample), and 4) N-505 (HIV+/GBV-C− sample) indicate there is no cross-reactivity with other infections (HIV, GBV-C).

FIG. 6 shows the results of SYBR green qPCR assays that were conducted using probe and primer sets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 15 and 44F (SEQ ID NO:12) and 342R (SEQ ID NO:13), which were used to detect 10-fold serial dilutions of cDNA made from the NS23Ex in vitro transcript (FIG. 6, curves A, B, C) and the HPgV-2 index (UC0125.US) case RNAs (FIG. 6, curve D). Negative controls (FIG. 6, curves E and F), N-505 (HIV(+)/GBV-C(−)) and water, were not amplified. Each graph is labeled with the primer set that was employed.

FIG. 7A shows the results of a TaqMan qPCR assay using primer/probe set 3 (top panel) and primer/probe set 2 (bottom panel), which detected isolates ABT0070P.US and ABT0096P.US in an HCV(+) plasmapheresis donor plasma samples.

FIG. 7B shows results of an assay where RNA extracted from American Red Cross blood donor plasma (HCV RNA+/antibody+) samples were screened with TaqMan primer/probe sets 2 and 3 ABT0128A.US was detected, but only by set 2 (bold).

FIG. 8 provides a schematic of an exemplary solution phase capture assay that can be used to detect subject antibodies to HPgV-2 in a sample. Both sample and biotinylated peptide (s) are incubated together, followed by incubation with the streptavidin coated solid phase support. Immune complexes are captured on the solid phase support by the biotin linkage on the peptide (Step 1). Immune complexes are detected indirectly by using a chemiluminescent labeled human IgG (Step 2).

FIGS. 9A-C provide the genomic nucleic acid sequence of an HPgV-2 isolate called ABT0070P.US, which is labeled SEQ ID NO:75. It is understood that the HPgV-2 genome is a positive strand RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO:75 is shown with the uracils as thymine.

FIGS. 10A-C show the amino acid sequences of various proteins from HPgV-2 variant ABT0070P.US, as well as the corresponding nucleic acid coding sequences. FIG. 10A shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:76) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 111-482 of SEQ ID NO:75) of the S protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:77) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 483-1055 of SEQ ID NO:75) of the E1 protein of HPgV-2; 3) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:78) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 1056-2117 of SEQ ID NO:75) of the E2 protein of HPgV-2; and 4) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:79) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 2118-2828 of SEQ ID NO:75) of the X protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 10B shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:80) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 2829-3548 of SEQ ID NO:75) of the NS2 protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:81) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 3549-5432 of SEQ ID NO:75) of the NS3 protein of HPgV-2; 3) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:82) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 5433-5555 of SEQ ID NO:75) of the NS4A protein of HPgV-2; and 4) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:83) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 5556-6341 of SEQ ID NO:75) of the NS4B protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 10C shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:84) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 6342-7715 of SEQ ID NO:75) of the NS5A protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:85) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 7716-9416 of SEQ ID NO:75) of the NS5B protein of HPgV-2; 3) describes the 5′ UTR nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 1-110 of SEQ ID NO:75) of HPgV-2; and 4) describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 9417-9431 of SEQ ID NO:75) of a portion of the 3′ UTR of HPgV-2.

FIGS. 11A-Y show an alignment of the genomes or partial genomes of HPgV-2 variants UC0125.US, ABT0070P.US, ABT0096P.US (SEQ ID NO:354), and ABT0128A.US (SEQ ID NO:355), along with a majority consensus sequence (SEQ ID NO:356).

FIGS. 12A-C show phylogenetic trees of HPgV-2 (UC0125.US; SEQ ID 1) and ABT0070P.US (SEQ ID 75) along with 29 representative flaviviruses (GenBank accession numbers listed in Figure) constructed in Geneious using the Jukes-Cantor model and neighbor joining algorithm with 10,000 bootstrap replicates used to calculate branch supports. These tree topologies were then refined using a maximum likelihood Bayesian approach with MrBayes V3.2 software (1,000,000 sample trees, 10% of trees discarded as burn-in, convergence defined at an average standard deviation of <0.01). Each tree was rooted with dengue virus type 1 (DENV1) and yellow fever virus (YFV) as outgroups. Analysis was performed on entire (A) polyprotein sequences, as well as on (B) NS3 and (C) NS5B proteins individually.

FIGS. 13A-C provide the genomic nucleic acid sequence of an HPgV-2 consensus sequence, which is labeled SEQ ID NO:299. It is understood that the HPgV-2 genome is a positive strand RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO:299 is shown with the uracils as thymine.

FIGS. 14A-C show the amino acid sequences of various proteins from a HPgV-2 consensus sequence, as well as the corresponding nucleic acid coding sequences. FIG. 14A: 1) describes the 5′UTR sequence (nucleotides 1-327 of SEQ ID NO:299); 2) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:304) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 328-564 of SEQ ID NO:299) of the S protein of HPgV-2; 3) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:305) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 565-1137 of SEQ ID NO:299) of the E1 protein of HPgV-2; 4) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:306) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 1138-2199 of SEQ ID NO:299) of the E2 protein of HPgV-2; and 5) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:307) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 2200-2910 of SEQ ID NO:299) of the X protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 14B shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:308) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 2911-3630 of SEQ ID NO:299) of the NS2 protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:309) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 3631-5514 of SEQ ID NO:299) of the NS3 protein of HPgV-2; 3) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:310) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 5515-5637 of SEQ ID NO:299) of the NS4A protein of HPgV-2; and 4) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:311) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 5638-6423 of SEQ ID NO:299) of the NS4B protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 14C shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:312) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 6424-7797 of SEQ ID NO:299) of the NS5A protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:313) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 7798-9498 of SEQ ID NO:299) of the NS5B protein of HPgV-2; and 3) describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 9499-9867 of SEQ ID NO:299) of at least a portion of the 3′ UTR of HPgV-2.

FIGS. 15A-C provide the genomic nucleic acid sequence of an HPgV-2 isolate called ABT0070P, which is labeled SEQ ID NO:300. It is understood that the HPgV-2 genome is a positive strand RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO:300 is shown with the uracils as thymine.

FIGS. 16A-C show the amino acid sequences of various proteins from an HPgV-2 isolate called ABT0070P, as well as the corresponding nucleic acid coding sequences. FIG. 16A: 1) describes the 5′UTR sequence (nucleotides 1-327 of SEQ ID NO:300); 2) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:314) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 328-564 of SEQ ID NO:300) of the S protein of HPgV-2; 3) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:315) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 565-1137 of SEQ ID NO:300) of the E1 protein of HPgV-2; 4) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:316) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 1138-2199 of SEQ ID NO:300) of the E2 protein of HPgV-2; and 5) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:317) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 2200-2910 of SEQ ID NO:300) of the X protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 16B shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:318) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 2911-3630 of SEQ ID NO:300) of the NS2 protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:319) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 3631-5514 of SEQ ID NO:300) of the NS3 protein of HPgV-2; 3) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:320) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 5515-5637 of SEQ ID NO:300) of the NS4A protein of HPgV-2; and 4) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:321) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 5638-6423 of SEQ ID NO:300) of the NS4B protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 16C shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:322) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 6424-7797 of SEQ ID NO:300) of the NS5A protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:323) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 7798-9498 of SEQ ID NO:300) of the NS5B protein of HPgV-2; and 3) describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 9499-9867 of SEQ ID NO:300) of at least a portion of the 3′ UTR of HPgV-2.

FIG. 17A-C provides the genomic nucleic acid sequence of an HPgV-2 isolate called ABT0029A, which is labeled SEQ ID NO:301. It is understood that the HPgV-2 genome is a positive strand RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO:301 is shown with the uracils as thymine.

FIGS. 18A-C show the amino acid sequences of various proteins from an HPgV-2 isolate called ABT0029A, as well as the corresponding nucleic acid coding sequences. FIG. 18A: 1) describes the 5′UTR sequence (nucleotides 1-327 of SEQ ID NO:301); 2) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:324) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 328-564 of SEQ ID NO:301) of the S protein of HPgV-2; 3) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:325) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 565-1137 of SEQ ID NO:301) of the E1 protein of HPgV-2; 4) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:326) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 1138-2199 of SEQ ID NO:301) of the E2 protein of HPgV-2; and 5) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:327) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 2200-2910 of SEQ ID NO:301) of the X protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 18B shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:328) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 2911-3630 of SEQ ID NO:301) of the NS2 protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:329) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 3631-5514 of SEQ ID NO:301) of the NS3 protein of HPgV-2; 3) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:330) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 5515-5637 of SEQ ID NO:301) of the NS4A protein of HPgV-2; and 4) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:331) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 5638-6423 of SEQ ID NO:301) of the NS4B protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 18C shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:332) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 6424-7797 of SEQ ID NO:301) of the NS5A protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:333) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 7798-9498 of SEQ ID NO:301) of the NS5B protein of HPgV-2; and 3) describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 9499-9867 of SEQ ID NO:301) of at least a portion of the 3′ UTR of HPgV-2.

FIGS. 19A-C provide the genomic nucleic acid sequence of an HPgV-2 isolate called ABT0239AN.US, which is labeled SEQ ID NO:302. It is understood that the HPgV-2 genome is a positive strand RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO:302 is shown with the uracils as thymine.

FIGS. 20A-C show the amino acid sequences of various proteins from an HPgV-2 isolate called ABT0239AN.US, as well as the corresponding nucleic acid coding sequences. FIG. 20A: 1) describes the 5′UTR sequence (nucleotides 1-327 of SEQ ID NO:302); 2) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:334) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 328-564 of SEQ ID NO:302) of the S protein of HPgV-2; 3) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:335) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 565-1137 of SEQ ID NO:302) of the E1 protein of HPgV-2; 4) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:336) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 1138-2199 of SEQ ID NO:302) of the E2 protein of HPgV-2; and 5) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:337) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 2200-2910 of SEQ ID NO:302) of the X protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 20B shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:338) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 2911-3630 of SEQ ID NO:302) of the NS2 protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:339) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 3631-5514 of SEQ ID NO:302) of the NS3 protein of HPgV-2; 3) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:340) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 5515-5637 of SEQ ID NO:302) of the NS4A protein of HPgV-2; and 4) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:341) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 5638-6423 of SEQ ID NO:302) of the NS4B protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 20C shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:342) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 6424-7797 of SEQ ID NO:302) of the NS5A protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:343) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 7798-9498 of SEQ ID NO:302) of the NS5B protein of HPgV-2; and 3) describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 9499-9867 of SEQ ID NO:302) of at least a portion of the 3′ UTR of HPgV-2.

FIG. 21A-C provide the genomic nucleic acid sequence of an HPgV-2 isolate called UC0125.US, which is labeled SEQ ID NO:303, and which is an extended version of UC0125 (SEQ ID NO:1) provided in FIG. 1 (e.g., 5′ UTR was extended). It is understood that the HPgV-2 genome is a positive strand RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO:303 is shown with the uracils as thymine.

FIGS. 22A-C show the amino acid sequences of various proteins from an HPgV-2 isolate called UC0125.US, as well as the corresponding nucleic acid coding sequences. FIG. 22A: 1) describes the 5′UTR sequence (nucleotides 1-327 of SEQ ID NO:303); 2) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:344) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 328-564 of SEQ ID NO:303) of the S protein of HPgV-2; 3) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:345) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 565-1137 of SEQ ID NO:303) of the E1 protein of HPgV-2; 4) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:346) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 1138-2199 of SEQ ID NO:303) of the E2 protein of HPgV-2; and 5) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:347) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 2200-2910 of SEQ ID NO:303) of the X protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 22B shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:348) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 2911-3630 of SEQ ID NO:303) of the NS2 protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:349) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 3631-5514 of SEQ ID NO:303) of the NS3 protein of HPgV-2; 3) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:350) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 5515-5637 of SEQ ID NO:303) of the NS4A protein of HPgV-2; and 4) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:351) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 5638-6423 of SEQ ID NO:303) of the NS4B protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 22C shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:352) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 6424-7797 of SEQ ID NO:303) of the NS5A protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:353) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 7798-9498 of SEQ ID NO:303) of the NS5B protein of HPgV-2; and 3) describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 9499-9867 of SEQ ID NO:303) of at least a portion of the 3′ UTR of HPgV-2.

FIGS. 23A-EE show an alignment of the genomes or partial genomes of HPgV-2 variants UC0125, ABT0070P, ARC29v36 (ABT0029A), ARCNAT239 (ABT0239AN), ARC128 (ABT0128A), PMDx96 (ABT0096P), and ARC55 (ABT0055A), along with a majority consensus sequence (SEQ ID NO:299).

FIG. 24A shows anti-His Western blot of 293F cells transfected with HPgV-2 E-E2 expression plasmid. Supernatants were collected and concentrated. Cells were lysed in sample buffer (2× Laemmli sample buffer+2-mercaptoethanol (BioRad, Hercules, Calif., USA). Samples were run on a 4-12% SDS-PAGE gel and transferred to a PDVF membrane. Western blot was performed using the Western Breeze kit and an anti-His (C-term)/Alkaline phosphatase primary antibody (Novex by Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif., USA).

FIG. 24B shows purification of HPgV-2 E2. Concentrated HPgV-2 E2 supernatant was run over a Nickel column and eluted with 250 mM imidazole. Fraction of pre-column concentrate, flow-through, washes, and eluted protein were diluted 1:2 with Laemelli sample buffer containing beta-mercaptoethanol and run on a 4-12% SDS-PAGE gel followed by visualizing with Oriole protein stain (BioRad, Hercules, Calif., USA). Arrow indicates purified HPgV-2 E2.

FIG. 24C shows western blot of purified HPgV-2 E2. Fractions diluted 1:2 in Laemelli sample buffer with beta-mercaptoethanol and run on 4-12% SDS-PAGE gel as above and transferred to PDVF membrane. Western blot was performed using the Western Breeze kit and an anti-His (C-term)/Alkaline phosphatase primary antibody (Novex by Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif., USA). Arrow indicates purified HPgV-2 E2.

FIG. 24D shows PNGase F removal of HPgV-2 E2 glycosylation. Purified HPgV-2 E2 was denatured and incubated with PNGase F followed by resolution by electrophoresis on a 10% SDS-PAGE gel.

FIG. 25 shows seroreactivity of HPgV-2 PCR+ samples for glycoprotein E2. Purified HPgV-2 E2 was bound to nitrocellulose membrane and probed with a 1:100 dilution of serum (samples indicated above). Strip blots were washed and visualized using a goat-anti-Human alkaline phosphatase secondary antibody and BCIP/NBT chromagen substrate. All samples were reactive with human IgG on the membrane but only the HPgV-2 PCR+ samples were reactive with purified E2. Samples ABT0096P, ABT0070P, ABT0188P were from ProMedDx and ABT0055A was from the American Red Cross (ARC).

FIG. 26 shows blocking immunoreactivity on slot blot with homologous, not heterologous, proteins. 15 ul of sample ABT0055A was incubated with PBS, 10 μg of HPgV-2 E2, or 10 μg of HPgV-1 E2 in a total of 100 μl of sample diluent (20 mM TRIS-HCl, 0.5M NaCl, 0.3% Tween-20 pH 8, 5% non-fat dry milk, 10% heat inactivated newborn bovine serum) for 1 hour at room temperature (25° C.) with rotation. Samples were diluted with 1.4 mls of sample diluent then incubated with pre-made slot blots bound with human IgG, HPgV-2 E2 (10 μg and 100 μg), and HPgV-1 E2 (10 μg and 100 μg). Bound antibodies were detected with an anti-human IgG conjugated to alkaline phosphatase.

FIG. 27 shows samples ABT0055A, ABT0096P, ABT0188P were incubated with nitrocellulose membrane containing bound NS4AB protein. Antibodies against the indicated proteins are shown as dark lines for each sample.

FIG. 28 shows the results of a newly designed Tri-plex mastermix for qPCR screening described in the Materials and Methods. A panel of 100 HIV positive specimens obtained from ProMedDx was extracted on the m2000sp and RNA was combined with the Tri-plex mastermix for thermocycling on the m2000rt. Six specimens were positive for the HPgV-1 (GBV-C) RNA through detection of it 5′UTR in the VIC channel. Four identical specimens were positive for HPgV-2 RNA and detected in the CY5 (5′UTR) and FAM (NS2) channels. These four specimens (PMDx30, 33, 35, 41) represent two bleeds from the same patients (e.g. 30=33, 35=41). Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of HPgV-2 RNA and the identical nature of sequences from same patients.

FIGS. 29A-C provide the genomic nucleic acid sequence of an HPgV-2 isolate called ABT0030P.US, which is labeled SEQ ID NO:419. It is understood that the HPgV-2 genome is a positive strand RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO:419 is shown with the uracils as thymine.

FIGS. 30A-C show the amino acid sequences of various proteins from an HPgV-2 isolate called ABT0030P.US, as well as the corresponding nucleic acid coding sequences. FIG. 30A: 1) describes the 5′UTR sequence (nucleotides 1-327 of SEQ ID NO:419); 2) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:420) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 328-564 of SEQ ID NO:419) of the S protein of HPgV-2; 3) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:421) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 565-1137 of SEQ ID NO:419) of the E1 protein of HPgV-2; 4) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:422) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 1138-2199 of SEQ ID NO:419) of the E2 protein of HPgV-2; and 5) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:423) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 2200-2910 of SEQ ID NO:419) of the X protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 30B shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:424) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 2911-3630 of SEQ ID NO:419) of the NS2 protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:425) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 3631-5514 of SEQ ID NO:419) of the NS3 protein of HPgV-2; 3) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:426) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 5515-5637 of SEQ ID NO:419) of the NS4A protein of HPgV-2; and 4) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:427) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 5638-6423 of SEQ ID NO:419) of the NS4B protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 30C shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:428) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 6424-7794 of SEQ ID NO:419) of the NS5A protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:429) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 7795-9495 of SEQ ID NO:419) of the NS5B protein of HPgV-2; and 3) describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 9496-9864 of SEQ ID NO:419) of at least a portion of the 3′ UTR of HPgV-2.

FIGS. 31A-C provide the genomic nucleic acid sequence of an HPgV-2 isolate called ABT0030P.US, which is labeled SEQ ID NO:430. It is understood that the HPgV-2 genome is a positive strand RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO:430 is shown with the uracils as thymine.

FIGS. 32A-C show the amino acid sequences of various proteins from an HPgV-2 isolate called ABT0041P.US, as well as the corresponding nucleic acid coding sequences. FIG. 32A: 1) describes the 5′UTR sequence (nucleotides 1-327 of SEQ ID NO:430); 2) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:431) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 328-564 of SEQ ID NO:430) of the S protein of HPgV-2; 3) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:432) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 565-1137 of SEQ ID NO:430) of the E1 protein of HPgV-2; 4) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:433) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 1138-2199 of SEQ ID NO:430) of the E2 protein of HPgV-2; and 5) shows the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:434) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 2200-2910 of SEQ ID NO:430) of the X protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 32B shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:435) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 2911-3630 of SEQ ID NO:430) of the NS2 protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:436) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 3631-5514 of SEQ ID NO:430) of the NS3 protein of HPgV-2; 3) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:437) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 5515-5637 of SEQ ID NO:430) of the NS4A protein of HPgV-2; and 4) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:438) and describes the nucleic acid sequences (nucleotides 5638-6423 of SEQ ID NO:430) of the NS4B protein of HPgV-2. FIG. 32C shows: 1) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:439) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 6424-7797 of SEQ ID NO:430) of the NS5A protein of HPgV-2; 2) the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:440) and describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 7798-9498 of SEQ ID NO:430) of the NS5B protein of HPgV-2; and 3) describes the nucleic acid sequence (nucleotides 9499-9867 of SEQ ID NO:430) of at least a portion of the 3′ UTR of HPgV-2.

DEFINITIONS

The terms “sample” and “specimen” are used in their broadest sense and encompass samples or specimens obtained from any source, including a human patient. In some embodiments of this invention, biological samples include tissue or cells, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serous fluid, urine, saliva, blood, and blood products such as plasma, serum and the like. However, these examples are not to be construed as limiting the types of samples that find use with the methods and compositions described herein. In some embodiments, the sample is a blood, serum, or plasma sample from a patient known to be infected with HCV and/or HIV.

As used herein, the terms “host,” “subject” and “patient” refer to any animal, including but not limited to, human and non-human animals (e.g., dogs, cats, cows, horses, sheep, poultry, fish, crustaceans, etc.) that is studied, analyzed, tested, diagnosed or treated. As used herein, the terms “host,” “subject” and “patient” are used interchangeably, unless indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “administration” and “administering” refer to the act of giving therapeutic treatment (e.g., a immunogenic composition) to a subject (e.g., a subject or in vivo, in vitro, or ex vivo cells, tissues, and organs). Exemplary routes of administration to the human body can be through space under the arachnoid membrane of the brain or spinal cord (intrathecal), the eyes (ophthalmic), mouth (oral), skin (topical or transdermal), nose (nasal), lungs (inhalant), oral mucosa (buccal), ear, rectal, vaginal, by injection (e.g., intravenously, subcutaneously, intratumorally, intraperitoneally, etc.) and the like.

As used herein, the term “nucleic acid molecule” refers to any nucleic acid containing molecule, including but not limited to, DNA or RNA. The term encompasses sequences that include any of the known base analogs of DNA and RNA including, but not limited to, 4-acetylcytosine, 8-hydroxy-N6-methyladenosine, aziridinylcytosine, pseudoisocytosine, 5-(carboxyhydroxylmethyl)uracil, 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, inosine, N6-isopentenyladenine, 1-methyladenine, 1-methylpseudouracil, 1-methylguanine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-methyladenine, 7-methylguanine, 5-methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxy-aminomethyl-2-thiouracil, beta-D-mannosylqueosine, 5′-methoxycarbonylmethyluracil, 5-methoxyuracil, 2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyladenine, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methylester, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid, oxybutoxosine, pseudouracil, queosine, 2-thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 5-methyluracil, N-uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methylester, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid, pseudouracil, queosine, 2-thiocytosine, 2,6-diaminopurine, 2-aminopurine, 5-amino-allyluracil, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-iodouracil, 5-nitroindole, 5-propynylcytosine, 5-propynyluracil, hypoxanthine, N3-methyluracil, N6,N6-dimethyladenine, purine, C-5-propynyl cytosine, C-5-propynyl uracil, and difluorotouyl.

The term “gene” refers to a nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) sequence that comprises coding sequences necessary for the production of a polypeptide, precursor, or RNA (e.g., rRNA, tRNA). The polypeptide can be encoded by a full length coding sequence or by any portion of the coding sequence so long as the desired activity or functional properties (e.g., enzymatic activity, ligand binding, signal transduction, immunogenicity, etc.) of the full-length or fragment are retained. The term also encompasses the coding region of a structural gene and the sequences located adjacent to the coding region on both the 5′ and 3′ ends for a distance of about 1 kb or more on either end such that the gene corresponds to the length of the full-length mRNA. Sequences located 5′ of the coding region and present on the mRNA are referred to as 5′ non-translated sequences. Sequences located 3′ or downstream of the coding region and present on the mRNA are referred to as 3′ non-translated sequences. The term “gene” encompasses both cDNA and genomic forms of a gene.

As used herein, the terms “gene expression” and “expression” refer to the process of converting genetic information encoded in a gene into RNA (e.g., mRNA, rRNA, tRNA, or snRNA) through “transcription” of the gene (i.e., via the enzymatic action of an RNA polymerase), and for protein encoding genes, into protein through “translation” of mRNA. Gene expression can be regulated at many stages in the process. “Up-regulation” or “activation” refer to regulation that increases and/or enhances the production of gene expression products (e.g., RNA or protein), while “down-regulation” or “repression” refer to regulation that decrease production. Molecules (e.g., transcription factors) that are involved in up-regulation or down-regulation are often called “activators” and “repressors,” respectively.

The term “isolated” when used in relation to a nucleic acid, as in “an isolated oligonucleotide” or “isolated polynucleotide” refers to a nucleic acid sequence that is identified and separated from at least one component or contaminant with which it is ordinarily associated in its natural source. Isolated nucleic acid is present in a form or setting that is different from that in which it is found in nature. In contrast, non-isolated nucleic acids are nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA found in the state they exist in nature. For example, a given DNA sequence (e.g., a gene) is found on the host cell chromosome in proximity to neighboring genes; RNA sequences, such as a specific viral RNA sequences encoding a specific protein, are generally found in the cell as a mixture with numerous other host mRNAs that encode a multitude of proteins. The isolated nucleic acid, oligonucleotide, or polynucleotide may be present in single-stranded or double-stranded form.

The term “synthetic” when used in reference to nucleic acid molecules (e.g., primers or probes of HPgV-2) refers to non-natural molecules made directly (e.g., in a laboratory) or indirectly (e.g., from expression in a cell of a construct made in a laboratory) by mankind

As used herein, the terms “complementary” or “complementarity” are used in reference to polynucleotides (i.e., a sequence of nucleotides) related by the base-pairing rules. For example, for the sequence “A-G-T,” is complementary to the sequence “T-C-A.” Complementarity may be “partial,” in which only some of the nucleic acids' bases are matched according to the base pairing rules. Or, there may be “complete” or “total” complementarity between the nucleic acids. The degree of complementarity between nucleic acid strands has significant effects on the efficiency and strength of hybridization between nucleic acid strands. This is of particular importance in amplification reactions, as well as detection methods that depend upon binding between nucleic acids.

The term “homology” refers to a degree of complementarity. There may be partial homology or complete homology (i.e., identity). A partially complementary sequence is one that at least partially inhibits a completely complementary sequence from hybridizing to a target nucleic acid and is referred to using the functional term “substantially homologous.” The term “inhibition of binding,” when used in reference to nucleic acid binding, refers to inhibition of binding caused by competition of homologous sequences for binding to a target sequence. The inhibition of hybridization of the completely complementary sequence to the target sequence may be examined using a hybridization assay (e.g., Southern or Northern blot, solution hybridization and the like) under conditions of low stringency. A substantially homologous sequence or probe will compete for and inhibit the binding (i.e., the hybridization) of a completely homologous to a target under conditions of low stringency. This is not to say that conditions of low stringency are such that non-specific binding is permitted; low stringency conditions require that the binding of two sequences to one another be a specific (i.e., selective) interaction. The absence of non-specific binding may be tested by the use of a second target that lacks even a partial degree of complementarity (e.g., less than about 30% identity); in the absence of non-specific binding the probe will not hybridize to the second non-complementary target.

The art knows well that numerous equivalent conditions may be employed to comprise low stringency conditions; factors such as the length and nature (DNA, RNA, base composition) of the probe and nature of the target (DNA, RNA, base composition, present in solution or immobilized, etc.) and the concentration of the salts and other components (e.g., the presence or absence of formamide, dextran sulfate, polyethylene glycol) are considered and the hybridization solution may be varied to generate conditions of low stringency hybridization different from, but equivalent to, the above listed conditions. In addition, the art knows conditions that promote hybridization under conditions of high stringency (e.g., increasing the temperature of the hybridization and/or wash steps, the use of formamide in the hybridization solution, etc.).

As used herein, the term “hybridization” is used in reference to the pairing of complementary nucleic acids. Hybridization and the strength of hybridization (i.e., the strength of the association between the nucleic acids) is impacted by such factors as the degree of complementary between the nucleic acids, stringency of the conditions involved, the Tm of the formed hybrid, and the G:C ratio within the nucleic acids.

As used herein, the term “Tm” is used in reference to the “melting temperature.” The melting temperature is the temperature at which a population of double-stranded nucleic acid molecules becomes half dissociated into single strands. The equation for calculating the Tm of nucleic acids is well known in the art. As indicated by standard references, a simple estimate of the Tm value may be calculated by the equation: Tm=81.5+0.41(% G+C), when a nucleic acid is in aqueous solution at 1 M NaCl (See e.g., Anderson and Young, Quantitative Filter Hybridization, in Nucleic Acid Hybridization [1985]). Other references include more sophisticated computations that take structural as well as sequence characteristics into account for the calculation of Tm.

As used herein the term “stringency” is used in reference to the conditions of temperature, ionic strength, and the presence of other compounds such as organic solvents, under which nucleic acid hybridizations are conducted. Those skilled in the art will recognize that “stringency” conditions may be altered by varying the parameters just described either individually or in concert. With “high stringency” conditions, nucleic acid base pairing will occur only between nucleic acid fragments that have a high frequency of complementary base sequences (e.g., hybridization under “high stringency” conditions may occur between homologs with about 85-100% identity, preferably about 70-100% identity). With medium stringency conditions, nucleic acid base pairing will occur between nucleic acids with an intermediate frequency of complementary base sequences (e.g., hybridization under “medium stringency” conditions may occur between homologs with about 50-70% identity). Thus, conditions of “weak” or “low” stringency are often required with nucleic acids that are derived from organisms that are genetically diverse, as the frequency of complementary sequences is usually less.

“High stringency conditions” when used in reference to nucleic acid hybridization comprise conditions equivalent to binding or hybridization at 42 degrees Celsius in a solution consisting of 5×SSPE (43.8 g/l NaCl, 6.9 g/l NaH2PO4.H2O and 1.85 g/l EDTA, pH adjusted to 7.4 with NaOH), 0.5% SDS, 5×Denhardt's reagent and 100 μg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA followed by washing in a solution comprising 0.1×SSPE, 1.0% SDS at 42 degrees Celsius when a probe of about 500 nucleotides in length is employed.

“Medium stringency conditions” when used in reference to nucleic acid hybridization comprise conditions equivalent to binding or hybridization at 42 degrees Celsiuis in a solution consisting of 5×SSPE (43.8 g/l NaCl, 6.9 g/l NaH2PO4.H2O and 1.85 g/l EDTA, pH adjusted to 7.4 with NaOH), 0.5% SDS, 5×Denhardt's reagent and 100 μg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA followed by washing in a solution comprising 1.0×SSPE, 1.0% SDS at 42 degrees C. when a probe of about 500 nucleotides in length is employed.

“Low stringency conditions” comprise conditions equivalent to binding or hybridization at 42 degrees Celsius in a solution consisting of 5×SSPE (43.8 g/l NaCl, 6.9 g/l NaH2PO4.H2O and 1.85 g/l EDTA, pH adjusted to 7.4 with NaOH), 0.1% SDS, 5×Denhardt's reagent [50×Denhardt's contains per 500 ml: 5 g Ficoll (Type 400, Pharamcia), 5 g BSA (Fraction V; Sigma)] and 100 μg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA followed by washing in a solution comprising 5×SSPE, 0.1% SDS at 42 degrees Celsius when a probe of about 500 nucleotides in length is employed.

The following terms are used to describe the sequence relationships between two or more polynucleotides: “reference sequence,” “sequence identity,” “percentage of sequence identity,” and “substantial identity.” A “reference sequence” is a defined sequence used as a basis for a sequence comparison; a reference sequence may be a subset of a larger sequence, for example, as a segment of a full-length cDNA sequence given in a sequence listing (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1 or 75) or may comprise a gene sequence. Generally, a reference sequence is at least 20 nucleotides in length, frequently at least 25 nucleotides in length, and often at least 50 nucleotides in length. Since two polynucleotides may each (1) comprise a sequence (i.e., a portion of the complete polynucleotide sequence) that is similar between the two polynucleotides, and (2) may further comprise a sequence that is divergent between the two polynucleotides, sequence comparisons between two (or more) polynucleotides are typically performed by comparing sequences of the two polynucleotides over a “comparison window” to identify and compare local regions of sequence similarity. A “comparison window,” as used herein, refers to a conceptual segment of at least 20 contiguous nucleotide positions wherein a polynucleotide sequence may be compared to a reference sequence of at least 20 contiguous nucleotides and wherein the portion of the polynucleotide sequence in the comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e., gaps) of 20 percent or less as compared to the reference sequence (which does not comprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the two sequences. Optimal alignment of sequences for aligning a comparison window may be conducted by the local homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman (Smith and Waterman, Adv. Appl. Math. 2: 482 (1981)) by the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch (Needleman and Wunsch, J. Mol. Biol. 48:443 (1970)), by the search for similarity method of Pearson and Lipman (Pearson and Lipman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (U.S.A.) 85:2444 (1988)), by computerized implementations of these algorithms (GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package Release 7.0, Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Dr., Madison, Wis.), or by inspection, and the best alignment (i.e., resulting in the highest percentage of homology over the comparison window) generated by the various methods is selected. The term “sequence identity” means that two polynucleotide sequences are identical (i.e., on a nucleotide-by-nucleotide basis) over the window of comparison. The term “percentage of sequence identity” is calculated by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over the window of comparison, determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base (e.g., A, T, C, G, U, or I) occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison (i.e., the window size), and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity. The terms “substantial identity” as used herein denotes a characteristic of a polynucleotide sequence, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a sequence that has at least 85 percent sequence identity, preferably at least 90 to 95 percent sequence identity, more usually at least 99 percent sequence identity as compared to a reference sequence over a comparison window of at least 20 nucleotide positions, frequently over a window of at least 25-50 nucleotides, wherein the percentage of sequence identity is calculated by comparing the reference sequence to the polynucleotide sequence which may include deletions or additions which total 20 percent or less of the reference sequence over the window of comparison.

As applied to polypeptides, the term “substantial identity” means that two peptide sequences, when optimally aligned, such as by the programs GAP or BESTFIT using default gap weights, share at least 80 percent sequence identity, preferably at least 90 percent sequence identity, more preferably at least 95 percent sequence identity or more (e.g., 99 percent sequence identity). Preferably, residue positions which are not identical differ by conservative amino acid substitutions. Conservative amino acid substitutions refer to the interchangeability of residues having similar side chains. For example, a group of amino acids having aliphatic side chains is glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine; a group of amino acids having aliphatic-hydroxyl side chains is serine and threonine; a group of amino acids having amide-containing side chains is asparagine and glutamine; a group of amino acids having aromatic side chains is phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan; a group of amino acids having basic side chains is lysine, arginine, and histidine; and a group of amino acids having sulfur-containing side chains is cysteine and methionine. Preferred conservative amino acids substitution groups are: valine-leucine-isoleucine, phenylalanine-tyrosine, lysine-arginine, alanine-valine, and asparagine-glutamine. In certain embodiments, provided herein are peptides that have substantial identity to at least a portion of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs:2-11 or 304-353.

The term “fragment” or “portion” as used herein refers to a polypeptide that has an amino-terminal and/or carboxy-terminal deletion as compared to the native protein, but where the remaining amino acid sequence is identical to the corresponding positions in the amino acid sequence deduced from a full-length cDNA sequence. Fragments typically are at least 4 amino acids long, preferably at least 20 amino acids long, usually at least 50 amino acids long or longer.

As used herein, the term “primer” refers to an oligonucleotide, whether occurring naturally as in a purified restriction digest or produced synthetically, which is capable of acting as a point of initiation of synthesis when placed under conditions in which synthesis of a primer extension product which is complementary to a nucleic acid strand is induced, (i.e., in the presence of nucleotides and an inducing agent such as DNA polymerase and at a suitable temperature and pH). The primer is preferably single stranded for maximum efficiency in amplification, but may alternatively be double stranded. If double stranded, the primer is first treated to separate its strands before being used to prepare extension products. Preferably, the primer is an oligodeoxyribonucleotide. The primer must be sufficiently long to prime the synthesis of extension products in the presence of the inducing agent. The exact lengths of the primers will depend on many factors, including temperature, source of primer and the use of the method.

As used herein, the term “probe” refers to an oligonucleotide (i.e., a sequence of nucleotides), whether occurring naturally as in a purified restriction digest or produced synthetically, recombinantly or by PCR amplification, that is capable of hybridizing to another oligonucleotide of interest. A probe may be single-stranded or double-stranded. Probes are useful in the detection, identification and isolation of particular nucleic acid sequences. It is contemplated that, in certain embodiments, a probe used in the present methods and compositions will be labeled with any “reporter molecule,” so that is detectable in any detection system, including, but not limited to enzyme (e.g., ELISA, as well as enzyme-based histochemical assays), fluorescent, radioactive, and luminescent systems. It is not intended that the methods and compositions be limited to any particular detection system or label.

As used herein, the term “recombinant nucleic acid molecule” as used herein refers to a nucleic molecule that is comprised of segments of nucleic acid joined together by means of molecular biological techniques.

As used herein, “peptide” refers to a linear polymer of amino acids joined by peptide bonds in a specific sequence. As used herein, “peptide” also encompasses polypeptide, oligopeptide and protein. A peptide may be, for example, a short amino acid stretch from the HPgV-2 virus (e.g., 25 amino acids), but may also be a long sequence, such as the amino acid sequence of the entire NS3 protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:7).

The term “recombinant protein” or “recombinant polypeptide” as used herein refers to a protein molecule that is expressed from a recombinant nucleic acid molecule.

The term “antigenic determinant” or “epitope” as used herein refers to that portion of an antigen that makes contact with a particular antibody. When a protein or fragment of a protein is used to immunize a host animal, numerous regions of the protein may induce the production of antibodies that bind specifically to a given region or three-dimensional structure on the protein; these regions or structures are referred to as antigenic determinants. An antigenic determinant may compete with the intact antigen (i.e., the “immunogen” used to elicit the immune response) for binding to an antibody.

As used herein, a “solid support” is any surface or material to which a biological molecules, such as a HPgV-2 nucleic acid, protein, or antibody may be attached and employed in a biological assay. Examples of solid supports which may be utilized in the assays described herein are well-known in the art and included, but are not limited to, a magnetic particles, a beads, microparticle, a test tube, a microtiter plate, a cuvette, a membrane, a scaffolding molecule, a film, a filter paper, a disc and a chip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits for detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2). In certain embodiments, provided herein are HPgV-2 specific nucleic acid probes and primers, and methods for detecting HPgV-2 nucleic acid. In other embodiments, provided herein are HPgV-2 immunogenic compositions, methods of treating a subject with immunogenic peptides to develop resistance to infection, and methods of detecting HPgV-2 subject antibodies in a sample.

I. Human Pegivirus 2

Complete genomic nucleic acid sequences of human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2), also called GBV-E, are shown in SEQ ID NOs:1 and 75 (FIGS. 1 and 8) and SEQ ID NOs:299-303. HPgV-2 is a positive single stranded RNA virus and encodes the following proteins: S protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:2, 76, 304, 314, 324, 334, and 344), E1 protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:3, 77, 305, 315, 325, 335, and 345), E2 protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:4, 78, 306, 316, 326, 336, and 346), X protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:5, 79, 307, 317, 327, 337, and 347), NS2 protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:6, 80, 308, 318, 328, 338, and 348), NS3 protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:7, 81, 309, 319, 329, 339, and 349), NS4A protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:8, 82, 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350), NS4B protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:9, 83, 311, 321, 331, 341, and 351), NS5A protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:10, 84, 312, 322, 332, 342, and 352), and NS5B protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:11, 85, 313, 323, 333, 343, and 353). Certain determined portions of the 5′ UTR include nucleotides 1-103 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 1-110 of SEQ ID NO:75, nucleotides 1-327 of SEQ ID NOs:299-301, nucleotides 12-327 of SEQ ID NO:302, and nucleotides 24-327 of SEQ ID NO:303; and exemplary certain determined portions of the 3′ UTR include nucleotides 9410-9778 of SEQ ID NO:1, nucleotides 9417-9431 of SEQ ID NO:75, and nucleotides 9499-9867 of SEQ ID NOS:299-303. Based on sequence relatedness, the organization of the HPgV-2 genome is most similar to both the Pegiviruses and the Hepaciviruses, both currently classified as members of the Flaviviridae family. It has recently been proposed that HCV and GBV-B are to be included within the Hepacivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family and that GBV-A and GBV-C (HPgV-1) are to be included within the Pegivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family (Stapleton et al., J Gen Virol 2011: 92: 233-246).

All members of the Flaviviridae family of viruses have a positive sense, single stranded RNA genome of about 10 kb, that that contains a single long open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polyprotein of about 3,000 amino acids (Lindenbach et al., Flaviviridae: The Viruses and Their Replication. Chapter 33. In Fields Virology Fifth Edition, (Knipe et al., Eds.) Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams and Williams, Philadelphia Pa. Pages 1101-1152). For Flaviviridae, the polyproteins are cleaved into smaller functional nonstructural and structural components by a combination of host and viral proteases. The viral structural proteins are located at the amino terminal portion of the genome and include two envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2 for both HCV and the GB viruses. While HCV and GBV-B contain a capsid protein, GBV-A and GBV-C (HPgV-1) lack a typical capsid-like protein. For all Flaviviruses, the nonstructural proteins are located downstream of the structural proteins, and include an NS3 protein that contains an N-terminus serine protease and a C-terminal RNA helicase protein and an NS5 protein that is a multifunctional protein with methyltransferase and RNA-dependent RNA replication activities. The ORF is flanked at both the 5′ end and the 3′ by untranslated regions that are highly conserved and that are involved both in translation and in replication of the genome.

In certain embodiments, patient samples that are known to be HCV positive are tested for the presence of HPgV-2 (e.g., for patient antibodies or by PCR). In particular embodiments, HCV infected blood donors who are anti-HCV negative but HCV RNA positive are tested. Such samples are termed as “preseroconversion window period” samples. In other embodiments, samples are tested from HCV infected patients who are anti-HCV positive and HCV RNA positive. In certain embodiments, samples that are HIV positive are tested. In particular embodiments, high risk groups are tested for the presence of HPgV-2 infection. High risk groups include multiply transfused individuals, plasmapheresis donors (some of whom may be positive for HBV, HIV or HCV), intravenous drug users, and individuals with sexually transmitted diseases.

FIG. 10 shows an alignment of the genomes or partial genomes of HPgV-2 variants UC0125.US, ABT0070P.US, ABT0096P.US, and ABT0128A.US, along with a majority consensus sequence. The amino acid similarities between UC0125.US and ABT0070P.US are shown in Table 16 below:

TABLE 16 protein amino acids mismatches % identity polyprotein 3102 157 94.94 S 124 4 96.77 E1 191 6 96.86 E2 354 24 93.22 X 237 13 94.51 NS2 240 8 96.67 NS3 628 22 96.50 NS4A 41 3 92.68 NS4B 262 10 96.18 NS5A 458 43 90.61 NS5B 567 24 95.77 3102 157 II. Amplification

In some embodiments, provided herein are compositions and methods for the amplification of HPgV-2 nucleic acids (e.g. DNA, RNA, etc.). In some embodiments, amplification is performed on a bulk sample of nucleic acids. In some embodiments, amplification is performed on a single nucleic acid target molecule. In some embodiments, provided herein are compositions (e.g. primers, buffers, salts, nucleic acid targets, etc.) and methods for the amplification of nucleic acid (e.g. digital droplet amplification, PCR amplification, combinations thereof, etc.). In some embodiments, an amplification reaction is any reaction in which nucleic acid replication occurs repeatedly over time to form multiple copies of at least one segment of a template or target nucleic acid molecule (e.g., HPgV-2 nucleic acid). In some embodiments, amplification generates an exponential or linear increase in the number of copies of the template nucleic acid. Amplifications may produce in excess of a 1,000-fold increase in template copy-number and/or target-detection signal. Exemplary amplification reactions include, but are not limited to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or ligase chain reaction (LCR), each of which is driven by thermal cycling.

Amplification may be performed with any suitable reagents (e.g. template nucleic acid (e.g. DNA or RNA), primers, probes, buffers, replication catalyzing enzyme (e.g. DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase), nucleotides, salts (e.g. MgCl₂), etc. In some embodiments, an amplification mixture includes any combination of at least one primer or primer pair, at least one probe, at least one replication enzyme (e.g., at least one polymerase, such as at least one DNA and/or RNA polymerase), and deoxynucleotide (and/or nucleotide) triphosphates (dNTPs and/or NTPs), etc.

In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods utilize nucleic acid amplification that relies on alternating cycles of heating and cooling (i.e., thermal cycling) to achieve successive rounds of replication (e.g., PCR). In some embodiments, PCR is used to amplify target nucleic acids (e.g. HPgV-2 nucleic acid). PCR may be performed by thermal cycling between two or more temperature set points, such as a higher melting (denaturation) temperature and a lower annealing/extension temperature, or among three or more temperature set points, such as a higher melting temperature, a lower annealing temperature, and an intermediate extension temperature, among others. PCR may be performed with a thermostable polymerase, such as Taq DNA polymerase (e.g., wild-type enzyme, a Stoffel fragment, FastStart polymerase, etc.), Pfu DNA polymerase, S-Tbr polymerase, Tth polymerase, Vent polymerase, or a combination thereof, among others. Typical PCR methods produce an exponential increase in the amount of a product amplicon over successive cycles, although linear PCR methods also find use.

Any suitable PCR methodology, combination of PCR methodologies, or combination of amplification techniques may be utilized, such as allele-specific PCR, assembly PCR, asymmetric PCR, digital PCR, endpoint PCR, hot-start PCR, in situ PCR, intersequence-specific PCR, inverse PCR, linear after exponential PCR, ligation-mediated PCR, methylation-specific PCR, miniprimer PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, multiplex PCR, nested PCR, overlap-extension PCR, polymerase cycling assembly, qualitative PCR, quantitative PCR, real-time PCR, RT-PCR, single-cell PCR, solid-phase PCR, thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR, touchdown PCR, or universal fast walking PCR, etc.

In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods employ RT-PCR (reverse transcription-PCR). In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods employ real-time PCR. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods employ endpoint PCR.

In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods utilize isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods. Any suitable isothermal amplification methodology or combination of amplification techniques may be utilized, such as transcription mediated amplification, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification, signal mediated amplification of RNA technology, strand displacement amplification, rolling circle amplification, loop-mediated isothermal amplification of DNA, isothermal multiple displacement amplification, helicase-dependent amplification, single primer isothermal amplification, and circular helicase-dependent amplification.

III. Nucleic Acid Detection

In some embodiments, provided herein are systems, devices, methods, and compositions to identify the presence of HPgV-2 nucleic acids (e.g. amplicons, labeled nucleic acids). In some embodiments, detection involves measurement or detection of a characteristic of a non-amplified nucleic acid, amplified nucleic acid, a component comprising amplified nucleic acid, or a byproduct of the amplification process, such as a physical, chemical, luminescence, or electrical aspect, which correlates with amplification (e.g. fluorescence, pH change, heat change, etc.).

In some embodiments, fluorescence detection methods are provided for detection of amplified HPgV-2 nucleic acid, and/or identification of amplified nucleic acids. In addition to the reagents already discussed, and those known to those of skill in the art of nucleic acid amplification and detection, various detection reagents, such as fluorescent and non-fluorescent dyes and probes are provided. For example, the protocols may employ reagents suitable for use in a TaqMan reaction, such as a TaqMan probe; reagents suitable for use in a SYBR Green fluorescence detection; reagents suitable for use in a molecular beacon reaction, such as molecular beacon probes; reagents suitable for use in a scorpion reaction, such as a scorpion probe; reagents suitable for use in a fluorescent DNA-binding dye-type reaction, such as a fluorescent probe; and/or reagents for use in a LightUp protocol, such as a LightUp probe. In some embodiments, provided herein are methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantifying a detectable signal (e.g. fluorescence) from amplified target nucleic acid. Thus, for example, methods may employ labeling (e.g. during amplification, post-amplification) amplified nucleic acids with a detectable label, exposing partitions to a light source at a wavelength selected to cause the detectable label to fluoresce, and detecting and/or measuring the resulting fluorescence. Fluorescence emitted from label can be tracked during amplification reaction to permit monitoring of the reaction (e.g., using a SYBR Green-type compound), or fluorescence can be measure post-amplification.

In some embodiments, detection of amplified nucleic acids employs one or more of fluorescent labeling, fluorescent intercalation dyes, FRET-based detection methods (U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,283; PCT Publication WO 97/22719; both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties), quantitative PCR, real-time fluorogenic methods (U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,015 to Gelfand, U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,848 to Livak, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,736 to Haaland, as well as Heid, C. A., et al., Genome Research, 6:986-994 (1996); Gibson, U. E. M, et al., Genome Research 6:995-1001 (1996); Holland, P. M., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:7276-7280, (1991); and Livak, K. J., et al., PCR Methods and Applications 357-362 (1995), each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety), molecular beacons (Piatek, A. S., et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 16:359-63 (1998); Tyagi, S. and Kramer, F. R., Nature Biotechnology 14:303-308 (1996); and Tyagi, S. et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 16:49-53 (1998); herein incorporated by reference in their entireties), Invader assays (Third Wave Technologies, (Madison, Wis.)) (Neri, B. P., et al., Advances in Nucleic Acid and Protein Analysis 3826:117-125, 2000; herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA; (See, e.g., Compton, J. Nucleic Acid Sequence-based Amplification, Nature 350: 91-91, 1991.; herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), Scorpion probes (Thelwell, et al. Nucleic Acids Research, 28:3752-3761, 2000; herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), partially double-stranded linear probes (Luk, K.-C., et al, J. Virological Methods 144:1-11, 2007; herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), capacitive DNA detection (See, e.g., Sohn, et al. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 97:10687-10690; herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), etc.

IV. Nucleic Acid Analysis

Nucleic acid molecules (e.g., amplified HPgV-2 nucleic acid) may be analyzed by any number of techniques to determine the presence of, amount of, or identity of the molecule. Non-limiting examples include sequencing, mass determination, and base composition determination. The analysis may identify the sequence of all or a part of the amplified nucleic acid or one or more of its properties or characteristics to reveal the desired information. For example, in some embodiments, the presence of a polymorphism or of a particular HPgV-2 strain or isolate is determined. In some embodiments, the methylation status of a nucleic acid is determined.

Illustrative non-limiting examples of nucleic acid sequencing techniques include, but are not limited to, chain terminator (Sanger) sequencing and dye terminator sequencing, as well as “next generation” sequencing techniques. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that because RNA is less stable in the cell and more prone to nuclease attack experimentally RNA is usually, although not necessarily, reverse transcribed to DNA before sequencing.

A number of DNA sequencing techniques are known in the art, including fluorescence-based sequencing methodologies (See, e.g., Birren et al., Genome Analysis: Analyzing DNA, 1, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). In some embodiments, automated sequencing techniques understood in that art are utilized. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods employ parallel sequencing of partitioned amplicons (PCT Publication No: WO2006084132 to Kevin McKernan et al., herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). In some embodiments, DNA sequencing is achieved by parallel oligonucleotide extension (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,341 to Macevicz et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,597 to Macevicz et al., both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties). Additional examples of sequencing techniques include the Church polony technology (Mitra et al., 2003, Analytical Biochemistry 320, 55-65; Shendure et al., 2005 Science 309, 1728-1732; U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,360, U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,944, U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,803; herein incorporated by reference in their entireties) the 454 picotiter pyrosequencing technology (Margulies et al., 2005 Nature 437, 376-380; US 20050130173; herein incorporated by reference in their entireties), the Solexa single base addition technology (Bennett et al., 2005, Pharmacogenomics, 6, 373-382; U.S. Pat. No. 6,787,308; U.S. Pat. No. 6,833,246; herein incorporated by reference in their entireties), Illumina Single base sequencing technology, the Lynx massively parallel signature sequencing technology (Brenner et al. (2000). Nat. Biotechnol. 18:630-634; U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,934; U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,330; herein incorporated by reference in their entireties) and the Adessi PCR colony technology (Adessi et al. (2000). Nucleic Acid Res. 28, E87; WO 00018957; herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).

In some embodiments, chain terminator sequencing is utilized. Chain terminator sequencing uses sequence-specific termination of a DNA synthesis reaction using modified nucleotide substrates. Extension is initiated at a specific site on the template DNA by using a short radioactive, or other labeled, oligonucleotide primer complementary to the template at that region. The oligonucleotide primer is extended using a DNA polymerase, standard four deoxynucleotide bases, and a low concentration of one chain terminating nucleotide, most commonly a di-deoxynucleotide. This reaction is repeated in four separate tubes with each of the bases taking turns as the di-deoxynucleotide. Limited incorporation of the chain terminating nucleotide by the DNA polymerase results in a series of related DNA fragments that are terminated only at positions where that particular di-deoxynucleotide is used. For each reaction tube, the fragments are size-separated by electrophoresis in a slab polyacrylamide gel or a capillary tube filled with a viscous polymer. The sequence is determined by reading which lane produces a visualized mark from the labeled primer as you scan from the top of the gel to the bottom.

Dye terminator sequencing alternatively labels the terminators. Complete sequencing can be performed in a single reaction by labeling each of the di-deoxynucleotide chain-terminators with a separate fluorescent dye, which fluoresces at a different wavelength.

A set of methods referred to as “next-generation sequencing” techniques have emerged as alternatives to Sanger and dye-terminator sequencing methods (Voelkerding et al., Clinical Chem., 55: 641-658, 2009; MacLean et al., Nature Rev. Microbiol., 7: 287-296; each herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). These techniques may be used to sequence portions of HPgV-2 nucleic acid. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods share the common feature of massively parallel, high-throughput strategies, with the goal of lower costs in comparison to older sequencing methods. NGS methods can be broadly divided into those that require template amplification and those that do not. Amplification-requiring methods include pyrosequencing commercialized by Roche as the 454 technology platforms (e.g., GS 20 and GS FLX), the Solexa platform commercialized by Illumina, and the Supported Oligonucleotide Ligation and Detection (SOLiD) platform commercialized by Applied Biosystems. Non-amplification approaches, also known as single-molecule sequencing, are exemplified by the HeliScope platform commercialized by Helicos BioSciences, and emerging platforms commercialized by VisiGen, Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd., and Pacific Biosciences, respectively.

In pyrosequencing (Voelkerding et al., Clinical Chem., 55: 641-658, 2009; MacLean et al., Nature Rev. Microbiol., 7: 287-296; U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,891; U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,568; each herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), template DNA is fragmented, end-repaired, ligated to adaptors, and clonally amplified in-situ by capturing single template molecules with beads bearing oligonucleotides complementary to the adaptors. Each bead bearing a single template type is compartmentalized into a water-in-oil microvesicle, and the template is clonally amplified using a technique referred to as emulsion PCR. The emulsion is disrupted after amplification and beads are deposited into individual wells of a picotiter plate functioning as a flow cell during the sequencing reactions. Ordered, iterative introduction of each of the four dNTP reagents occurs in the flow cell in the presence of sequencing enzymes and luminescent reporter such as luciferase. In the event that an appropriate dNTP is added to the 3′ end of the sequencing primer, the resulting production of ATP causes a burst of luminescence within the well, which is recorded using a CCD camera. It is possible to achieve read lengths greater than or equal to 400 bases, and 1×10⁶ sequence reads can be achieved, resulting in up to 500 million base pairs (Mb) of sequence.

In the Solexa/Illumina platform (Voelkerding et al., Clinical Chem., 55: 641-658, 2009; MacLean et al., Nature Rev. Microbiol., 7: 287-296; U.S. Pat. No. 6,833,246; U.S. Pat. No. 7,115,400; U.S. Pat. No. 6,969,488; each herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), sequencing data are produced in the form of shorter-length reads. In this method, single-stranded fragmented DNA is end-repaired to generate 5′-phosphorylated blunt ends, followed by Klenow-mediated addition of a single A base to the 3′ end of the fragments. A-addition facilitates addition of T-overhang adaptor oligonucleotides, which are subsequently used to capture the template-adaptor molecules on the surface of a flow cell that is studded with oligonucleotide anchors. The anchor is used as a PCR primer, but because of the length of the template and its proximity to other nearby anchor oligonucleotides, extension by PCR results in the “arching over” of the molecule to hybridize with an adjacent anchor oligonucleotide to form a bridge structure on the surface of the flow cell. These loops of DNA are denatured and cleaved. Forward strands are then sequenced with reversible dye terminators. The sequence of incorporated nucleotides is determined by detection of post-incorporation fluorescence, with each fluor and block removed prior to the next cycle of dNTP addition. Sequence read length ranges from 36 nucleotides to over 600 nucleotides, with overall output exceeding 1 billion nucleotide pairs per analytical run.

Sequencing nucleic acid molecules using SOLiD technology (Voelkerding et al., Clinical Chem., 55: 641-658, 2009; MacLean et al., Nature Rev. Microbiol., 7: 287-296; U.S. Pat. No. 5,912,148; U.S. Pat. No. 6,130,073; each herein incorporated by reference in their entirety) also involves fragmentation of the template, ligation to oligonucleotide adaptors, attachment to beads, and clonal amplification by emulsion PCR. Following this, beads bearing template are immobilized on a derivatized surface of a glass flow-cell, and a primer complementary to the adaptor oligonucleotide is annealed. However, rather than utilizing this primer for 3′ extension, it is instead used to provide a 5′ phosphate group for ligation to interrogation probes containing two probe-specific bases followed by 6 degenerate bases and one of four fluorescent labels. In the SOLiD system, interrogation probes have 16 possible combinations of the two bases at the 3′ end of each probe, and one of four fluors at the 5′ end. Fluor color and thus identity of each probe corresponds to specified color-space coding schemes. Multiple rounds (usually 7) of probe annealing, ligation, and fluor detection are followed by denaturation, and then a second round of sequencing using a primer that is offset by one base relative to the initial primer. In this manner, the template sequence can be computationally re-constructed, and template bases are interrogated twice, resulting in increased accuracy. Sequence read length averages 35 nucleotides, and overall output exceeds 4 billion bases per sequencing run.

In certain embodiments, nanopore sequencing in employed (see, e.g., Astier et al., J Am Chem Soc. 2006 Feb. 8; 128(5):1705-10, herein incorporated by reference). The theory behind nanopore sequencing has to do with what occurs when the nanopore is immersed in a conducting fluid and a potential (voltage) is applied across it: under these conditions a slight electric current due to conduction of ions through the nanopore can be observed, and the amount of current is exceedingly sensitive to the size of the nanopore. If DNA molecules pass (or part of the DNA molecule passes) through the nanopore, this can create a change in the magnitude of the current through the nanopore, thereby allowing the sequences of the DNA molecule to be determined.

Another exemplary nucleic acid sequencing approach that may be adapted for use with the systems, devices, and methods was developed by Stratos Genomics, Inc. and involves the use of Xpandomers. This sequencing process typically includes providing a daughter strand produced by a template-directed synthesis. The daughter strand generally includes a plurality of subunits coupled in a sequence corresponding to a contiguous nucleotide sequence of all or a portion of a target nucleic acid in which the individual subunits comprise a tether, at least one probe or nucleobase residue, and at least one selectively cleavable bond. The selectively cleavable bond(s) is/are cleaved to yield an Xpandomer of a length longer than the plurality of the subunits of the daughter strand. The Xpandomer typically includes the tethers and reporter elements for parsing genetic information in a sequence corresponding to the contiguous nucleotide sequence of all or a portion of the target nucleic acid. Reporter elements of the Xpandomer are then detected. Additional details relating to Xpandomer-based approaches are described in, for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 20090035777, entitled “HIGH THROUGHPUT NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCING BY EXPANSION,” that was filed Jun. 19, 2008, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Other emerging single molecule sequencing methods include real-time sequencing by synthesis using a VisiGen platform (Voelkerding et al., Clinical Chem., 55: 641-658, 2009; U.S. Pat. No. 7,329,492; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/671,956; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/781,166; each herein incorporated by reference in their entirety) in which immobilized, primed DNA template is subjected to strand extension using a fluorescently-modified polymerase and florescent acceptor molecules, resulting in detectible fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) upon nucleotide addition.

Processes and systems for such real time sequencing that may be adapted for use with the invention are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,405,281, entitled “Fluorescent nucleotide analogs and uses therefor”, issued Jul. 29, 2008 to Xu et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,315,019, entitled “Arrays of optical confinements and uses thereof”, issued Jan. 1, 2008 to Turner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,313,308, entitled “Optical analysis of molecules”, issued Dec. 25, 2007 to Turner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,302,146, entitled “Apparatus and method for analysis of molecules”, issued Nov. 27, 2007 to Turner et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,170,050, entitled “Apparatus and methods for optical analysis of molecules”, issued Jan. 30, 2007 to Turner et al., U.S. Patent Publications Nos. 20080212960, entitled “Methods and systems for simultaneous real-time monitoring of optical signals from multiple sources”, filed Oct. 26, 2007 by Lundquist et al., 20080206764, entitled “Flowcell system for single molecule detection”, filed Oct. 26, 2007 by Williams et al., 20080199932, entitled “Active surface coupled polymerases”, filed Oct. 26, 2007 by Hanzel et al., 20080199874, entitled “CONTROLLABLE STRAND SCISSION OF MINI CIRCLE DNA”, filed Feb. 11, 2008 by Otto et al., 20080176769, entitled “Articles having localized molecules disposed thereon and methods of producing same”, filed Oct. 26, 2007 by Rank et al., 20080176316, entitled “Mitigation of photodamage in analytical reactions”, filed Oct. 31, 2007 by Eid et al., 20080176241, entitled “Mitigation of photodamage in analytical reactions”, filed Oct. 31, 2007 by Eid et al., 20080165346, entitled “Methods and systems for simultaneous real-time monitoring of optical signals from multiple sources”, filed Oct. 26, 2007 by Lundquist et al., 20080160531, entitled “Uniform surfaces for hybrid material substrates and methods for making and using same”, filed Oct. 31, 2007 by Korlach, 20080157005, entitled “Methods and systems for simultaneous real-time monitoring of optical signals from multiple sources”, filed Oct. 26, 2007 by Lundquist et al., 20080153100, entitled “Articles having localized molecules disposed thereon and methods of producing same”, filed Oct. 31, 2007 by Rank et al., 20080153095, entitled “CHARGE SWITCH NUCLEOTIDES”, filed Oct. 26, 2007 by Williams et al., 20080152281, entitled “Substrates, systems and methods for analyzing materials”, filed Oct. 31, 2007 by Lundquist et al., 20080152280, entitled “Substrates, systems and methods for analyzing materials”, filed Oct. 31, 2007 by Lundquist et al., 20080145278, entitled “Uniform surfaces for hybrid material substrates and methods for making and using same”, filed Oct. 31, 2007 by Korlach, 20080128627, entitled “SUBSTRATES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING MATERIALS”, filed Aug. 31, 2007 by Lundquist et al., 20080108082, entitled “Polymerase enzymes and reagents for enhanced nucleic acid sequencing”, filed Oct. 22, 2007 by Rank et al., 20080095488, entitled “SUBSTRATES FOR PERFORMING ANALYTICAL REACTIONS”, filed Jun. 11, 2007 by Foquet et al., 20080080059, entitled “MODULAR OPTICAL COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS INCORPORATING SAME”, filed Sep. 27, 2007 by Dixon et al., 20080050747, entitled “Articles having localized molecules disposed thereon and methods of producing and using same”, filed Aug. 14, 2007 by Korlach et al., 20080032301, entitled “Articles having localized molecules disposed thereon and methods of producing same”, filed Mar. 29, 2007 by Rank et al., 20080030628, entitled “Methods and systems for simultaneous real-time monitoring of optical signals from multiple sources”, filed Feb. 9, 2007 by Lundquist et al., 20080009007, entitled “CONTROLLED INITIATION OF PRIMER EXTENSION”, filed Jun. 15, 2007 by Lyle et al., 20070238679, entitled “Articles having localized molecules disposed thereon and methods of producing same”, filed Mar. 30, 2006 by Rank et al., 20070231804, entitled “Methods, systems and compositions for monitoring enzyme activity and applications thereof”, filed Mar. 31, 2006 by Korlach et al., 20070206187, entitled “Methods and systems for simultaneous real-time monitoring of optical signals from multiple sources”, filed Feb. 9, 2007 by Lundquist et al., 20070196846, entitled “Polymerases for nucleotide analogue incorporation”, filed Dec. 21, 2006 by Hanzel et al., 20070188750, entitled “Methods and systems for simultaneous real-time monitoring of optical signals from multiple sources”, filed Jul. 7, 2006 by Lundquist et al., 20070161017, entitled “MITIGATION OF PHOTODAMAGE IN ANALYTICAL REACTIONS”, filed Dec. 1, 2006 by Eid et al., 20070141598, entitled “Nucleotide Compositions and Uses Thereof”, filed Nov. 3, 2006 by Turner et al., 20070134128, entitled “Uniform surfaces for hybrid material substrate and methods for making and using same”, filed Nov. 27, 2006 by Korlach, 20070128133, entitled “Mitigation of photodamage in analytical reactions”, filed Dec. 2, 2005 by Eid et al., 20070077564, entitled “Reactive surfaces, substrates and methods of producing same”, filed Sep. 30, 2005 by Roitman et al., 20070072196, entitled “Fluorescent nucleotide analogs and uses therefore”, filed Sep. 29, 2005 by Xu et al., and 20070036511, entitled “Methods and systems for monitoring multiple optical signals from a single source”, filed Aug. 11, 2005 by Lundquist et al., and Korlach et aI. (2008) “Selective aluminum passivation for targeted immobilization of single DNA polymerase molecules in zero-mode waveguide nanostructures” Proc. Nat'I. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 105(4): 11761181—all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

In some embodiments, nucleic acids are analyzed by determination of their mass and/or base composition. For example, in some embodiments, nucleic acids are detected and characterized by the identification of a unique base composition signature (BCS) using mass spectrometry (e.g., Abbott PLEX-ID system, Abbot Ibis Biosciences, Abbott Park, Ill.) described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,108,974, 8,017,743, and 8,017,322; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, a MassARRAY system (Sequenom, San Diego, Calif.) is used to detect or analyze sequences (See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,043,031; 5,777,324; and 5,605,798; each of which is herein incorporated by reference).

In certain embodiments, the Ion Torrent sequencing technology is employed to sequence HPgV-2 nucleic acid. The Ion Torrent technology is a method of DNA sequencing based on the detection of hydrogen ions that are released during the polymerization of DNA (see, e.g., Science 327(5970): 1190 (2010); U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. Nos. 20090026082, 20090127589, 20100301398, 20100197507, 20100188073, and 20100137143, incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes). A microwell contains a fragment of the NGS fragment library to be sequenced. Beneath the layer of microwells is a hypersensitive ISFET ion sensor. All layers are contained within a CMOS semiconductor chip, similar to that used in the electronics industry. When a dNTP is incorporated into the growing complementary strand a hydrogen ion is released, which triggers a hypersensitive ion sensor. If homopolymer repeats are present in the template sequence, multiple dNTP molecules will be incorporated in a single cycle. This leads to a corresponding number of released hydrogens and a proportionally higher electronic signal. This technology differs from other sequencing technologies in that no modified nucleotides or optics are used. The per-base accuracy of the Ion Torrent sequencer is ˜99.6% for 50 base reads, with ˜100 Mb generated per run. The read-length is 100 base pairs. The accuracy for homopolymer repeats of 5 repeats in length is ˜98%. The benefits of ion semiconductor sequencing are rapid sequencing speed and low upfront and operating costs.

In certain embodiments, HPgV-2 nucleic acid, including polymorphisms or bases that identify particular types, strains, or isolates are detected a hybridization assay. In a hybridization assay, the presence of absence of a given sequence, SNP, or mutation is determined based on the ability of the nucleic acid from the sample to hybridize to a complementary nucleic acid molecule (e.g., a oligonucleotide probe). A variety of hybridization assays using a variety of technologies for hybridization and detection are available and known in the art.

V. HPgV-2 Peptides

In other embodiments, provided herein are HPgV-2 polynucleotide sequences that encode HPgV-2 polypeptide sequences. HPgV-2 polypeptides (e.g., SEQ ID NOs:2-11, 76-85, and 304-353) are described in FIGS. 2, 9, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. Other embodiments provide fragments, fusion proteins or functional equivalents of these HPgV-2 proteins. In still other embodiments, nucleic acid sequences corresponding to various HPgV-2 homologs and mutants may be used to generate recombinant DNA molecules that direct the expression of HPgV-2 homologs and mutants in appropriate host cells. In some embodiments, the polypeptide may be a purified product, in other embodiments it may be a product of chemical synthetic procedures, and in still other embodiments it may be produced by recombinant techniques using a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host (e.g., by bacterial, yeast, higher plant, insect and mammalian cells in culture).

In certain embodiments, due to the inherent degeneracy of the genetic code, DNA sequences other than the polynucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NO:1, 75, or 299-303 which encode substantially the same or a functionally equivalent amino acid sequence, may be used to clone and express HPgV-2 peptides. In general, such polynucleotide sequences hybridize to SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:75, or SEQ ID NOS:299-303, under conditions of high to medium stringency as described above. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, it may be advantageous to produce HPgV-2 encoding nucleotide sequences possessing non-naturally occurring codons. Therefore, in some preferred embodiments, codons preferred by a particular prokaryotic or eukaryotic host (Murray et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 17 [1989]) are selected, for example, to increase the rate of HPgV-2 expression or to produce recombinant RNA transcripts having desirable properties, such as a longer half-life, than transcripts produced from naturally occurring sequence.

In certain embodiments, the peptides comprises or consist of the peptides in Table 15 below, or variants thereof with 1, 2, 3, or 4 amino acid changes. Such peptides, for example, may be used as capture peptides and/or immunogens to generate antibodies.

TABLE 15 Isolate/ SEQ Peptide Protein Amino Acid Sequence ID NO: Peptide 1 S GGSCRSPSRVQVARRVLQLSAFLALIGSGMSSIRSKTEGRIESGQ 100 Peptide 1 S GGSCRSPSRVQVARRVLQLSAFL 101 Peptide 1 S SAFLALIGSGMSSIRSKTEGRIESGQ 102 Peptide 1 S ARRVLQLSAFLALIGSGMSS 103 UC0125.US S GGSCRSPSRVQVARRVLQLCAFLALIGSGMCSIRSKTEGRIESGQ 104 UC0125.US S GGSCRSPSRVQVARRVLQLCAFL 105 UC0125.US S CAFLALIGSGMCSIRSKTEGRIESGQ 106 UC0125.US S ARRVLQLCAFLALIGSGMCS 107 ABT0070P.US S GGSCRSPSRVQVAGRVLRLCAFLALIGSGMCSIRSKNEGRIESGQ 108 ABT0070P.US S GGSCRSPSRVQVAGRVLRLCAFL 109 ABT0070P.US S MCSIRSKNEGRIESGQ 110 ABT0070P.US S VAGRVLRLCAFLALIGSGMC 111 Peptide 2 S RDGSLHWSHARHHSVQPDRVAAGPPSVTSVERNMGSSTDQT 112 Peptide 2 S RDGSLHWSHARHHSVQPDRVAAG 113 UC0125.US S RDGSLHWCHARHHSVQPDRVAAGPPSVTSVERNMGSSTDQT 114 UC0125.US S RDGSLHWCHARHHSVQPDRVAAG 115 UC0125.US S VAAGPPSVTSVERNMGSSTDQT 116 UC0125.US S RHHSVQPDRVAAGPPSVTSVE 117 Peptide 3 E2 SMNSDSPFGTFTRNTESRFSIPRFSPVKINS 118 Peptide 3 E2 SMNCDCPFGTFTRNTESRFSIPRFCPVKINS 119 UC0125.US E2 SMNSDSPFGTFTRNTESRF 120 UC0125.US E2 SMNCDCPFGTFTRNTESRF 121 UC0125.US E2 SRFSIPRFSPVKINS 122 UC0125.US E2 FGTFTRNTESRFSIPR 123 ABT0070P.US E2 AMNCDCPFGTFTRNTESGFTIPRFCPVKLNS 124 ABT0070P.US E2 AMNCDCPFGTFTRNTESGF 125 ABT0070P.US E2 SGFTIPRFCPVKLNS 126 ABT0070P.US E2 FGTFTRNTESGFTIPR 127 ABT0096P.US AMNCDCPFGTFTRNTESGFSISIDSVLLKSI 128 UC0125.US NS3 QAPAVTPTYSEITYYAPTGSGKSTKYPVDLVKQGHKVLVL 129 UC0125.US NS3 QAPAVTPTYSEITYYAPTGSGKST 130 UC0125.US NS3 GKSTKYPVDLVKQGHKVLVL 131 UC0125.US NS3 ITYYAPTGSGKSTKYPVDLVKQG 132 UC0125.US NS3 VKSMAPYIKETYKIRPEIRAGTGPDGVTVITG 133 UC0125.US NS3 VKSMAPYIKETYKIRPEI 134 UC0125.US NS3 PEIRAGTGPDGVTVITG 135 UC0125.US NS3 IKETYKIRPEIRAGTGPDG 136 ABT0070P.US NS3 VKSMAPYIKEKYKIRPEIRAGTGPDGVTVITG 137 ABT0070P.US NS3 VKSMAPYIKEKYKIRPEI 138 ABT0070P.US NS3 IKEKYKIRPEIRAGTGPDG 139 UC0125.US NS3 LVDPETNLRGYAVVICDECHDTSSTTLLGIGAVRMYAEKA 140 UC0125.US NS3 LVDPETNLRGYAVVICDECHDTSS 141 UC0125.US NS3 TNLRGYAVVICDECHDTSSTTLLGI 142 UC0125.US NS3 DTSSTTLLGIGAVRMYAEKA 143 UC0125.US NS3 PETNLRGYAVVISDESHDTSS 144 UC0125.US NS3 PETNLRGYAVVISD 145 UC0125.US NS3 VISDESHDTSS 146 ABT0070P.US NS3 PETNLRGYAVVICDECHDTSS 147 ABT0070P.US NS3 PETNLRGYAVVICD 148 ABT0096P.US NS3 RRGFAVVICVECHEHIT 149 UC0125.US NS3 PCTAALRMQRRGRTGRGRRGAYYTTSPGAAPCVS 150 UC0125.US NS3 PCTAALRMQRRGRTGRGRRG 151 UC0125.US NS3 GRRGAYYTTSPGAAPCVS 152 UC0125.US NS3 RRGRTGRGRRGAYYTTSPG 153 ABT0070P.US NS3 PCTAALRMQRRGRTGRGRRGAYYTTTPGAAPCV 154 ABT0070P.US NS3 GRRGAYYTTTPGAAPCV 155 ABT0070P.US NS3 RRGRTGRGRRGAYYTTTPG 156 UC0125.US NS4B LSERFGQQLSKLSLWRSVYHWAQAREGYTQCG 157 UC0125.US NS4B LSERFGQQLSKLSLWRSV 158 UC0125.US NS4B RSVYHWAQAREGYTQCG 159 UC0125.US NS4B LSKLSLWRSVYHWAQAREG 160 ABT0070P.US NS4B LTEKFGQQLSKLSLWRSVYHWAQAREGYTQCG 161 ABT0070P.US NS4B LTEKFGQQLSKLSLWRSV 162 UC0125.US NS5A NPTTTGTGTLRPDISDANKLGFRYGVADIVELERRGDKWH 163 UC0125.US NS5A FNPTTTGTGTLRPDISDANKLGFR 164 UC0125.US NS5A GFRYGVADIVELERRGDKWH 165 UC0125.US NS5A RPDISDANKLGFRYGVADI 166 ABT0070P.US NS5A NPTTTATGTLRPDISDATKLGFRYGVAEIVELERRGNKWH 167 ABT0070P.US NS5A NPTTTATGTLRPDISDATKLGFR 168 ABT0070P.US NS5A GFRYGVAEIVELERRGNKWH 169 ABT0070P.US NS5A RPDISDATKLGFRYGVAEI 170 UC0125.US NS5A QNLAARRRAEYDAWQVRQAVGDEYTRLADEDVD 171 UC0125.US NS5A QNLAARRRAEYDAWQVRQAV 172 UC0125.US NS5A RQAVGDEYTRLADEDVD 173 UC0125.US NS5A RAEYDAWQVRQAVGDEYTR 174 ABT0070P.US NS5A QNLEARRRAEFDAWQVREAIRDEYTRLADEDVD 175 ABT0070P.US NS5A QNLEARRRAEFDAWQVREAI 176 ABT0070P.US NS5A REAIRDEYTRLADEDVD 177 ABT0070P.US NS5A RAEFDAWQVREAIRDEYTR 178 ABT0096P.US NS5A FEAWQVREAIRDEYTRLADEDVD 179 UC0125.US NS5A RFVPPVPKPRTRVSGVLERVRMCMRTPPIKF 180 UC0125.US NS5A RFVPPVPKPRTRVSGV 181 UC0125.US NS5A SGVLERVRMCMRTPPIKF 182 UC0125.US NS5A KPRTRVSGVLERVRM 183 ABT0096P.US NS5A RTRVSGVLERVRMCMTT 184 UC0125.US NS5B NTTRDHNNGITYTDLVSGRAKP 185 UC0125.US NS5B NTTRDHNNGITYTD 186 UC0125.US NS5B YTDLVSGRAKP 187 ABT0070P.US NS5B NTTRDHNNGITYSDLVSGRAKP 188 ABT0070P.US NS5B NTTRDHNNGITYSD 189 ABT0070P.US NS5B YSDLVSGRAKP 190 UC0125.US NS5B DAPMRIIPKPEVFPRDKSTRKPPRFIVFPGCAARV 191 UC0125.US NS5B DAPMRIIPKPEVFPRDKSTRKPPR 192 UC0125.US NS5B DKSTRKPPRFIVFPGCAARV 193 UC0125.US NS5B IPKPEVFPRDKSTRKPPRFI 194 ABT0070P.US NS5B DAPMRIIPKPEVFPRDKTTRKPPRFIVFPGCAARV 195 ABT0070P.US NS5B DAPMRIIPKPEVFPRDKTTRKPPR 196 ABT0070P.US NS5B DKTTRKPPRFIVFPGCAARV 197 ABT0070P.US NS5B IPKPEVFPRDKTTRKPPRFI 198 UC0125.US NS5B MPLLCMLIRNEPSQTGTLVT 199 UC0125.US NS5B MPLLCMLIRNEPSQT 200 UC0125.US NS5B MLIRNEPSQTGTLVT 201 ABT0070P.US NS5B LPLLCMLIRNEPSQTGTLVT 202 ABT0070P.US NS5B LPLLCMLIRNEPSQT 203 ABT0096P.US NS5B LPLLCMLIRNEPSQTGTLVT 204 UC0125.US S AEAAPKSGELDSQCDHLAWSFMEGMPTGTLIVQRDGSLH 205 UC0125.US S AEAAPKSGELDSQCDHLAWSFME 206 UC0125.US S FMEGMPTGTLIVQRDGSLH 207 UC0125.US S QCDHLAWSFMEGMPTGT 208 UC0125.US NS4A-B SVEVRPAGVTRPDATDETAAYAQRLYQACADSGIFASLQGTASAALGKLA 209 UC0125.US NS4A-B SVEVRPAGVTRPDATDETAAYAQRLYQACAD 210 UC0125.US NS4A-B ACADSGIFASLQGTASAALGKLA 211 UC0125.US NS4A-B VTRPDATDETAAYAQRLYQACADSGIFASLQG 212 ABT0070P.US NS4A-B SVENGLAGVTRPDATDETAAYAQRLYQACADSGILASLQGTASAALSRLA 213 ABT0070P.US NS4A-B SVENGLAGVTRPDATDETAAYAQRLYQACAD 214 ABT0070P.US NS4A-B ACADSGILASLQGTASAALSRLA 215 ABT0070P.US NS4A-B VTRPDATDETAAYAQRLYQACADSGILASLQG 216

The polynucleotides described herein may be employed for producing HPgV-2 polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Thus, for example, the polynucleotide may be included in any one of a variety of expression vectors for expressing a polypeptide. In some embodiments, vectors include, but are not limited to, chromosomal, nonchromosomal and synthetic DNA sequences (e.g., derivatives of SV40, bacterial plasmids, phage DNA; baculovirus, yeast plasmids, vectors derived from combinations of plasmids and phage DNA, and viral DNA such as vaccinia, adenovirus, fowl pox virus, and pseudorabies). It is contemplated that any vector may be used as long as it is replicable and viable in the host.

In particular, some embodiments provided herein are recombinant constructs comprising one or more of the sequences as broadly described above (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1, 75, 299-303, or sub-portion thereof). In some embodiments, the constructs comprise a vector, such as a plasmid or viral vector, into which a sequence of the invention has been inserted, in a forward or reverse orientation. In still other embodiments, the heterologous structural sequence is assembled in appropriate phase with translation initiation and termination sequences. In certain embodiments, the appropriate DNA sequence is inserted into the vector using any of a variety of procedures. In general, the DNA sequence is inserted into an appropriate restriction endonuclease site(s) by procedures known in the art.

Large numbers of suitable vectors are known to those of skill in the art, and are commercially available. Such vectors include, but are not limited to, the following vectors: 1) Bacterial—pQE70, pQE60, pQE 9 (Qiagen), pBS, pD10, phagescript, psiX174, pbluescript SK, pBSKS, pNH8A, pNH16a, pNH18A, pNH46A (Stratagene); ptrc99a, pKK223 3, pKK233 3, pDR540, pRIT5 (Pharmacia); pET vectors (Novagen); and 2) Eukaryotic—pWLNEO, pSV2CAT, pOG44, PXT1, pSG (Stratagene) pSVK3, pBPV, pMSG, pSVL (Pharmacia). Any other plasmid or vector may be used as long as they are replicable and viable in the host.

In certain embodiments, the DNA sequence in the expression vector is operatively linked to an appropriate expression control sequence(s) (promoter) to direct mRNA synthesis. Useful promoters include, but are not limited to, the LTR or SV40 promoter, the E. coli lac or trp, the phage lambda PL and PR, T3 and T7 promoters, and the cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early, herpes simplex virus (HSV) thymidine kinase, and mouse metallothionein I promoters and other promoters known to control expression of gene in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells or their viruses. In other embodiments, recombinant expression vectors include origins of replication and selectable markers permitting transformation of the host cell (e.g., dihydrofolate reductase or neomycin resistance for eukaryotic cell culture, or tetracycline or ampicillin resistance in E. coli).

In a further embodiment, provided herein are host cells containing the above described constructs. In some embodiments, the host cell is a higher eukaryotic cell (e.g., a mammalian or insect cell). In other embodiments, the host cell is a lower eukaryotic cell (e.g., a yeast cell). In still other embodiments, the host cell can be a prokaryotic cell (e.g., a bacterial cell). Specific examples of host cells include, but are not limited to, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus subtilis, and various species within the genera Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, and Staphylococcus, as well as Saccharomycees cerivisiae, Schizosaccharomycees pombe, Drosophila S2 cells, Spodoptera Sf9 cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, COS 7 lines of monkey kidney fibroblasts, (Gluzman, Cell 23:175 [1981]), C127, 3T3, 293, 293T, HeLa and BHK cell lines.

HPgV-2 proteins can be expressed in mammalian cells, yeast, bacteria, or other cells under the control of appropriate promoters. Cell free translation systems can also be employed to produce such proteins using RNAs derived from the DNA constructs described herein. Appropriate cloning and expression vectors for use with prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts are described by Sambrook, et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., (1989).

The present disclosure also provides methods for recovering and purifying HPgV-2 proteins from recombinant cell cultures including, but not limited to, ammonium sulfate or ethanol precipitation, acid extraction, anion or cation exchange chromatography, phosphocellulose chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, affinity chromatography, hydroxylapatite chromatography and lectin chromatography. In other embodiments, protein refolding steps can be used as necessary, in completing configuration of the mature protein. In still other embodiments, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can be employed for final purification steps.

The present disclosure further provides polynucleotides having the coding sequence (e.g., portions of SEQ ID NOs:1, 75, or 299-303) fused in frame to a marker sequence which allows for purification polypeptides. A non-limiting example of a marker sequence is a hexahistidine tag which may be supplied by a vector, preferably a pQE 9 vector, which provides for purification of the polypeptide fused to the marker in the case of a bacterial host, or, for example, the marker sequence may be a hemagglutinin (HA) tag when a mammalian host (e.g., COS 7 cells) is used. The HA tag corresponds to an epitope derived from the influenza hemagglutinin protein (Wilson et al., Cell, 37:767 [1984]).

In certain embodiments, the HPgV-2 peptides (e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 86-218 and 304-353) are conservatively modified. Conservatively modified variants applies to both amino acid and nucleic acid sequences. With respect to particular nucleic acid sequences, conservatively modified variants refers to those nucleic acids which encode identical or essentially identical amino acid sequences, or where the nucleic acid does not encode an amino acid sequence, to essentially identical sequences. Because of the degeneracy of the genetic code, a large number of functionally identical nucleic acids encode any given protein. For instance, the codons GCA, GCC, GCG and GCU all encode the amino acid alanine Thus, at every position where an alanine is specified by a codon, the codon can be altered to any of the corresponding codons described without altering the encoded polypeptide. Every nucleic acid sequence herein which encodes a polypeptide also describes every possible silent variation of the nucleic acid. One of skill will recognize that each codon in a nucleic acid (except AUG, which is ordinarily the only codon for methionine, and TGG, which is ordinarily the only codon for tryptophan) can be modified to yield a functionally identical molecule. Accordingly, each silent variation of a nucleic acid which encodes a polypeptide is implicit in each described sequence with respect to the expression product, but not with respect to actual probe sequences. As to amino acid sequences, one of skill will recognize that individual substitutions, deletions or additions to a nucleic acid, peptide, polypeptide, or protein sequence which alters, adds or deletes a single amino acid or a small percentage of amino acids in the encoded sequence is a conservatively modified variant where the alteration results in the substitution of an amino acid with a chemically similar amino acid. Conservative substitution tables providing functionally similar amino acids are well known in the art. Such conservatively modified variants are in addition to and do not exclude polymorphic variants, interspecies homologs, and alleles of the invention. The following eight groups each contain amino acids that are conservative substitutions for one another: 1) Alanine (A), Glycine (G); 2) Aspartic acid (D), Glutamic acid (E); 3) Asparagine (N), Glutamine (Q); 4) Arginine (R), Lysine (K); 5) Isoleucine (I), Leucine (L), Methionine (M), Valine (V); 6) Phenylalanine (F), Tyrosine (Y), Tryptophan (W); 7) Serine (S), Threonine (T); and 8) Cysteine (C), Methionine (M).

VI. Antibody Generation and Immunoassays

In some embodiments, antibodies are used for the detection of HPgV-2 protein. The antibodies may be prepared using various immunogens. In one embodiment, the immunogen is a HPgV-2 peptide (e.g., as shown in SEQ ID NOs:2-11, 76-218, and 304-353), or portions thereof, to generate antibodies that recognize HPgV-2. Such antibodies include, but are not limited to polyclonal, monoclonal, chimeric, single chain, Fab fragments, and Fab expression libraries.

Various procedures known in the art may be used for the production of polyclonal antibodies directed against HPgV-2. For the production of antibody, various host animals can be immunized by injection with the peptide corresponding to an HPgV-2 epitope including but not limited to rabbits, mice, rats, sheep, goats, etc. In certain embodiments, the peptide is conjugated to an immunogenic carrier (e.g., diphtheria toxoid, bovine serum albumin (BSA), or keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)). Various adjuvants may be used to increase the immunological response, depending on the host species, including but not limited to Freund's (complete and incomplete), mineral gels (e.g., aluminum hydroxide), surface active substances (e.g., lysolecithin, pluronic polyols, polyanions, peptides, oil emulsions, keyhole limpet hemocyanins, dinitrophenol, and potentially useful human adjuvants such as BCG (Bacille Calmette Guerin) and Corynebacterium parvum).

For preparation of monoclonal antibodies directed toward HPgV-2, it is contemplated, in certain embodiments, that any technique that provides for the production of antibody molecules by continuous cell lines in culture will find use with the present disclosure (See e.g., Harlow and Lane, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.). These include but are not limited to the hybridoma technique originally developed by Kïhler and Milstein (Köhler and Milstein, Nature 256:495 497 [1975]), as well as the trioma technique, the human B cell hybridoma technique (See e.g., Kozbor et al., Immunol. Tod., 4:72 [1983]), and the EBV hybridoma technique to produce human monoclonal antibodies (Cole et al., in Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp. 77 96 [1985]).

In certain embodiments, monoclonal antibodies are produced in germ free animals utilizing technology such as that described in PCT/US90/02545. Furthermore, it is contemplated that human antibodies may be generated by human hybridomas (Cote et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80:2026 2030 [1983]) or by transforming human B cells with EBV virus in vitro (Cole et al., in Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, pp. 77 96 [1985]).

In addition, it is contemplated that techniques described for the production of single chain antibodies (U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,778; herein incorporated by reference) will find use in producing HPgV-2 specific single chain antibodies. An additional embodiment of the invention utilizes the techniques described for the construction of Fab expression libraries (Huse et al., Science 246:1275 1281 [1989]) to allow rapid and easy identification of monoclonal Fab fragments with the desired specificity for HPgV-2.

It is contemplated that any technique suitable for producing antibody fragments will find use in generating antibody fragments that contain the idiotype (antigen binding region) of the antibody molecule. For example, such fragments include but are not limited to: F(ab′)2 fragment that can be produced by pepsin digestion of the antibody molecule; Fab′ fragments that can be generated by reducing the disulfide bridges of the F(ab′)2 fragment, and Fab fragments that can be generated by treating the antibody molecule with papain and a reducing agent.

In the production of antibodies, it is contemplated that screening for the desired antibody will be accomplished by techniques known in the art (e.g., radioimmunoassay, ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbant assay), “sandwich” immunoassays, immunoradiometric assays, gel diffusion precipitation reactions, immunodiffusion assays, in situ immunoassays (e.g., using colloidal gold, enzyme or radioisotope labels, for example), Western blots, precipitation reactions, agglutination assays (e.g., gel agglutination assays, hemagglutination assays, etc.), complement fixation assays, immunofluorescence assays, protein A assays, and immunoelectrophoresis assays, etc.

In one embodiment, antibody binding is detected by detecting a label on the primary antibody. In another embodiment, the primary antibody is detected by detecting binding of a secondary antibody or reagent to the primary antibody. In a further embodiment, the secondary antibody is labeled. As is well known in the art, the immunogenic peptide should generally be provided free of the carrier molecule used in any immunization protocol. For example, if the peptide was conjugated to KLH, it may be conjugated to BSA, or used directly, in a screening assay to detect HPgV-2 in a sample. The foregoing antibodies can be used to detect HPgV-2 in a biological sample from an individual (e.g., suspected of being infected with HPgV-2). The biological sample can be a biological fluid, such as, but not limited to, blood, serum, plasma, interstitial fluid, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and the like, containing cells.

The biological samples can then be tested directly for the presence of HPgV-2 using an appropriate strategy (e.g., ELISA or radioimmunoassay) and format (e.g., microwells, dipstick (e.g., as described in International Patent Publication WO 93/03367), etc. Alternatively, proteins in the sample can be size separated (e.g., by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), in the presence or not of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and the presence of HPgV-2 detected by immunoblotting (Western blotting). Immunoblotting techniques are generally more effective with antibodies generated against a peptide corresponding to an epitope of a protein, and hence, are particularly suited to the methods and compositions disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, HPgV-2 is detected with an immunoassay such as: 1) a sandwich immunoassay (e.g., monoclonal, polyclonal and/or DVD-Ig sandwich immunoassays or any variation thereof (e.g., monoclonal/DVD-Ig or DVD-Ig/polyclonal), including chemiluminescence detection, radioisotope detection (e.g., radioimmunoassay (RIA)) and enzyme detection (e.g., enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (e.g., Quantikine ELISA assays, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, Minn.))), 2) a competitive inhibition immunoassay (e.g., forward and reverse), 3) a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), 4) an enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT), 5) a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), 6) a homogeneous chemiluminescent assay, 7) a SELDI-based immunoassay, 8) chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) and 9) a clinical chemistry colorimetric assay (e.g., IMA, creatinine for eGFR determination and LC-MS/MS). (See, e.g., Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 4th Edition, edited by C A Burtis, E R Ashwood and D E Bruns, Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, Mo., 2006.).

Further, if an immunoassay is being utilized, any suitable detectable label as is known in the art can be used. For example, the detectable label can be a radioactive label (such as 3H, 125I, 35S, 14C, 32P, and 33P), an enzymatic label (such as horseradish peroxidase, alkaline peroxidase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and the like), a chemiluminescent label (such as acridinium esters, thioesters, or sulfonamides; luminol, isoluminol, phenanthridinium esters, and the like), a fluorescent label (such as fluorescein (e.g., 5-fluorescein, 6-carboxyfluorescein, 3′6-carboxyfluorescein, 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, 6-hexachloro-fluorescein, 6-tetrachlorofluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, and the like)), rhodamine, phycobiliproteins, R-phycoerythrin, quantum dots (e.g., zinc sulfide-capped cadmium selenide), a thermometric label, or an immuno-polymerase chain reaction label. An introduction to labels, labeling procedures and detection of labels is found in Polak and Van Noorden, Introduction to Immunocytochemistry, 2nd ed., Springer Verlag, N.Y. (1997), and in Haugland, Handbook of Fluorescent Probes and Research Chemicals (1996), which is a combined handbook and catalogue published by Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, Oreg. A fluorescent label can be used in FPIA (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,593,896, 5,573,904, 5,496,925, 5,359,093, and 5,352,803, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties). An acridinium compound can be used as a detectable label in a homogeneous or heterogeneous chemiluminescent assay (see, e.g., Adamczyk et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 16: 1324-1328 (2006); Adamczyk et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 4: 2313-2317 (2004); Adamczyk et al., Biorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 14: 3917-3921 (2004); and Adamczyk et al., Org. Lett. 5: 3779-3782 (2003)).

A preferred acridinium compound is an acridinium-9-carboxamide. Methods for preparing acridinium 9-carboxamides are described in Mattingly, J. Biolumin. Chemilumin. 6: 107-114 (1991); Adamczyk et al., J. Org. Chem. 63: 5636-5639 (1998); Adamczyk et al., Tetrahedron 55: 10899-10914 (1999); Adamczyk et al., Org. Lett. 1: 779-781 (1999); Adamczyk et al., Bioconjugate Chem. 11: 714-724 (2000); Mattingly et al., In Luminescence Biotechnology: Instruments and Applications; Dyke, K. V. Ed.; CRC Press: Boca Raton, pp. 77-105 (2002); Adamczyk et al., Org. Lett. 5: 3779-3782 (2003); and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,468,646, 5,543,524 and 5,783,699 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for its teachings regarding same). Another preferred acridinium compound is an acridinium-9-carboxylate aryl ester. An example of an acridinium-9-carboxylate aryl ester is 10-methyl-9-(phenoxycarbonyl)acridinium fluorosulfonate (available from Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, Mich.). Methods for preparing acridinium 9-carboxylate aryl esters are described in McCapra et al., Photochem. Photobiol. 4: 1111-21 (1965); Razavi et al., Luminescence 15: 245-249 (2000); Razavi et al., Luminescence 15: 239-244 (2000); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,070 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for its teachings regarding same). Further details regarding acridinium-9-carboxylate aryl ester and its use are set forth in U.S. published application no. 2008-0248493. Chemiluminescent assays (e.g., using acridinium as described above or other chemiluminescent agents) can be performed in accordance with the methods described in Adamczyk et al., Anal. Chim. Acta 579(1): 61-67 (2006). While any suitable assay format can be used, a microplate chemiluminometer (Mithras LB-940, Berthold Technologies U.S.A., LLC, Oak Ridge, Tenn.) enables the assay of multiple samples of small volumes rapidly. Upon the simultaneous or subsequent addition of at least one basic solution to the sample, a detectable signal, namely, a chemiluminescent signal, indicative of the presence of analyte is generated. The basic solution contains at least one base and has a pH greater than or equal to 10, preferably, greater than or equal to 12. Examples of basic solutions include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and calcium bicarbonate. The amount of basic solution added to the sample depends on the concentration of the basic solution. Based on the concentration of the basic solution used, one skilled in the art can easily determine the amount of basic solution to add to the sample.

The chemiluminescent signal that is generated can be detected using routine techniques known to those skilled in the art. Based on the intensity of the signal generated, the amount of analyte in the sample can be quantified. Specifically, the amount of analyte in the sample is proportional to the intensity of the signal generated. The amount of analyte present can be quantified by comparing the amount of light generated to a standard curve for the analyte or by comparison to a reference standard. The standard curve can be generated using serial dilutions or solutions of known concentrations of analyte by mass spectroscopy, gravimetric methods, and other techniques known in the art. While the above is described with emphasis on use of an acridinium compound as the chemiluminescent agent, one of ordinary skill in the art can readily adapt this description for use of other chemiluminescent agents.

Immunoassays can generally be conducted using any format known in the art, such as, but not limited to, a sandwich format. Specifically, in one immunoassay format, at least two antibodies are employed to separate and quantify HPgV-2 or a fragment thereof in a sample. More specifically, the at least two antibodies bind to different epitopes on HPgV-2 (or a fragment thereof) forming an immune complex, which is referred to as a “sandwich.” Generally, in the immunoassays, one or more antibodies can be used to capture the HPgV-2 (or a fragment thereof) in the test sample (i.e., these antibodies are frequently referred to as a “capture” antibody or “capture” antibodies) and one or more antibodies can be used to bind a detectable (namely, quantifiable) label to the sandwich (i.e., these antibodies are frequently referred to as the “detection antibody,” the “detection antibodies,” the “conjugate,” or the “conjugates”). Thus, in the context of a sandwich immunoassay format, an antibody (or a fragment, a variant, or a fragment of a variant thereof) can be used as a capture antibody, a detection antibody, or both. For example, one DVD-Ig having a domain that can bind a first epitope on HPgV-2 (or a fragment thereof) can be used as a capture antibody and/or another DVD-Ig having a domain that can bind a second epitope on HPgV-2 (or a fragment thereof) can be used as a detection antibody. In this regard, a DVD-Ig having a first domain that can bind a first epitope on an analyte (or a fragment thereof) and a second domain that can bind a second epitope on an analyte (or a fragment thereof) can be used as a capture antibody and/or a detection antibody. Alternatively, one DVD-Ig having a first domain that can bind an epitope on a first analyte (or a fragment thereof) and a second domain that can bind an epitope on a second analyte (or a fragment thereof) can be used as a capture antibody and/or a detection antibody to detect, and optionally quantify, two or more analytes.

Generally speaking, in an immunoassay, a sample being tested for (for example, suspected of containing) HPgV-2 (or a fragment thereof) can be contacted with at least one capture antibody (or antibodies) and at least one detection antibody (which can be a second detection antibody or a third detection antibody or even a successively numbered antibody, e.g., as where the capture and/or detection antibody comprise multiple antibodies) either simultaneously or sequentially and in any order. For example, the test sample can be first contacted with at least one capture antibody and then (sequentially) with at least one detection antibody. Alternatively, the test sample can be first contacted with at least one detection antibody and then (sequentially) with at least one capture antibody. In yet another alternative, the test sample can be contacted simultaneously with a capture antibody and a detection antibody.

In the sandwich assay format, described above, a sample suspected of containing HPgV-2 (or a fragment thereof) is first brought into contact with at least one first capture antibody under conditions that allow the formation of a first antibody/HPgV-2 complex. If more than one capture antibody is used, a first capture antibody/HPgV-2 complex comprising two or more capture antibodies is formed. In a sandwich assay, the antibodies, i.e., preferably, the at least one capture antibody, are used in molar excess amounts of the maximum amount of HPgV-2 (or a fragment thereof) expected in the test sample. For example, from about 5 μg to about 1 mg of antibody per mL of buffer (e.g., microparticle coating buffer) can be used.

In contrast, competitive inhibition immunoassays, which are often used to measure small analytes because binding by only one antibody is required, comprise sequential and classic formats. In a sequential competitive inhibition immunoassay, a capture antibody to an analyte of interest (e.g., HPgV-2 protein) is coated onto a well of a microtiter plate or other solid support. When the sample containing the analyte of interest is added to the well, the analyte of interest binds to the capture antibody. After washing, a known amount of labeled analyte (e.g., acridinium, biotin or horseradish peroxidase (HRP)) is added to the well. A substrate for an enzymatic label is necessary to generate a signal. An example of a suitable substrate for HRP is 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). After washing, the signal generated by the labeled analyte is measured and is inversely proportional to the amount of analyte in the sample. In a classic competitive inhibition immunoassay, an antibody to an analyte of interest is coated onto a solid support (e.g., a well of a microtiter plate). However, unlike the sequential competitive inhibition immunoassay, the sample and the labeled analyte are added to the well at the same time. Any analyte in the sample competes with labeled analyte for binding to the capture antibody. After washing, the signal generated by the labeled analyte is measured and is inversely proportional to the amount of analyte in the sample.

The concentration of HPgV-2 or a fragment thereof in the test sample is determined by appropriate means, such as by use of a standard curve that has been generated using serial dilutions of analyte or a fragment thereof of known concentration. Other than using serial dilutions of analyte or a fragment thereof, the standard curve can be generated gravimetrically, by mass spectroscopy and by other techniques known in the art.

In a chemiluminescent microparticle assay employing the ARCHITECT analyzer, the conjugate diluent pH may be about 6.0+/−0.2, the microparticle coating buffer may be maintained at about room temperature (i.e., at from about 17 to about 27.degree. C.), the microparticle coating buffer pH may be about 6.5+/−0.2, and the microparticle diluent pH may be about 7.8+/−0.2. Solids preferably are less than about 0.2%, such as less than about 0.15%, less than about 0.14%, less than about 0.13%, less than about 0.12%, or less than about 0.11%, such as about 0.10%. Of course, these ranges or numbers may be altered in order to enhance such properties of the assay including, for example, reduction in background interference, increased sensitivity, increased specificity, etc.

FPIAs are based on competitive binding immunoassay principles. A fluorescently labeled compound, when excited by a linearly polarized light, will emit fluorescence having a degree of polarization inversely proportional to its rate of rotation. When a fluorescently labeled tracer-antibody complex is excited by a linearly polarized light, the emitted light remains highly polarized because the fluorophore is constrained from rotating between the time light is absorbed and the time light is emitted. When a “free” tracer compound (i.e., a compound that is not bound to an antibody) is excited by linearly polarized light, its rotation is much faster than the corresponding tracer-antibody conjugate produced in a competitive binding immunoassay. FPIAs are advantageous over RIAs inasmuch as there are no radioactive substances requiring special handling and disposal. In addition, FPIAs are homogeneous assays that can be easily and rapidly performed.

The present description is not limited by the type of immunoassay employed to detect patient antibodies in a sample. A number of exemplary formats are as follows. In an indirect assay, HPgV-2 peptide or protein is coated on solid phase (e.g., beads) and then contacted with a sample (e.g. 18 minutes), followed by a wash step. Then, in a second step, patient antibodies to HPgV-2 are detected by contacting the immune complex with labeled “second” antibody to detect human IgG (or IgM) bound to the solid phase (e.g. for 4 minutes). Another assay is a two step direct (sandwich) assay. In this assay, HPgV-2 peptide or protein is coated on solid phase (e.g., beads) and contacted with sample (e.g. for about 18 minutes) and then washed. In a second step, antibodies to HPgV-2 are detected with a labeled HPgV-2 peptide/protein that binds to human IgG (or IgM) bound to the solid phase containing the HPgV-2 protein (e.g. for 4 minutes). A one-step direct (sandwich) assay could also be employed. In such an assay, HPgV-2 peptide or protein is coated on solid phase and contacted with sample (e.g., for about 18 minutes) and with labeled HPgV-2 peptide/protein at the same time or about the same time (e.g., for 18 minutes). Another type of assay is a solution phase capture. In such an assay, the sample is contacted with both protein tagged HPgV-2 peptide or protein (e.g., biotin tag, FLAG-tag, HA-tag, etc.) and labeled HPgV-2 peptide or protein in the presence of a solid phase coated with an affinity molecule (e.g., streptavidin or protein tag antibody). If the patient antibodies are present in the sample, the tagged peptide or protein and labeled HPgV-2 peptides or proteins can bind to patient antibodies in a complex that can be captured by the associated protein tag to a solid phase support. In all of these assay formats, the solid phase is further processed to elicit a signal from labeled HPgV-2 associated with patient antibodies and with the solid phase.

In particular embodiments, the antigens and antibodies described herein are contemplated for use as immunodiagnostic reagents in combination immunoassays designed for the detection of multiple HPgV-2 components found in a test sample suspected of having been infected with HPgV-2. Immunodiagnostic reagents may used in a combination assay that detects both peptides and patient antibodies. For purposes of capture, the antigens and/or antibodies of which the immunodiagnostic reagent is comprised can be coated on a solid support such as for example, a microparticle, (e.g., magnetic particle), bead, test tube, microtiter plate, cuvette, membrane, scaffolding molecule, film, filter paper, disc or chip. In this regard, where the immunodiagnostic reagent comprises a combination of antigens (e.g., directed at different HPgV-2 proteins or different fragments of the same HPgV-2 protein), the antigens can be co-coated on the same solid support or can be on separate solid supports. Likewise, where the immunodiagnostic reagent comprises one or more antibodies that will be used to capture one or more antigens from the test sample, such-antibodies can be co-coated on the same solid support or can be on separate solid supports.

Notably, the immunodiagnostic reagent may include the antigens and antibodies labeled with a detectable label or labeled with a specific partner that allows capture or detection. For example, the labels may be a detectable label, such as a fluorophore, radioactive moiety, enzyme, biotin/avidin label, chromophore, chemiluminescent label, or the like. Still further the invention contemplates the preparation of HPgV-2 diagnostic kits comprising the immunodiagnostic reagents described herein and instructions for the use of the immunodiagnostic reagents in immunoassays for determining the presence of HPgV-2 in a test sample by detecting the presence of two or more HPgV-2 proteins and/or anti-HPgV-2 antibodies in such a sample. For example, the kit can comprise instructions for assaying the test sample for anti-HPgV-2 antibody (e.g., an anti Core antibody in the test sample) by immunoassay. While certain embodiments employ chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay for assaying the test sample, it should be understood that the antigens and antibodies used in the immunoassays of the present invention may be used in any other immunoassay formats known to those of skill in the art for determining the presence of HPgV-2 in a test sample. The instructions can be in paper form or computer-readable form, such as a disk, CD, DVD, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the kit can comprise a calibrator or control, e.g., purified, and optionally lyophilized, anti-HPgV-2 antibody or antigen, and/or at least one container (e.g., tube, microtiter plates or strips, which can be already coated with one or more of the capture components (antigens and/or antibodies) of the immunoassay) for conducting the assay, and/or a buffer, such as an assay buffer or awash buffer, either one of which can be provided as a concentrated solution, a substrate solution for the detectable label (e.g., an enzymatic label), or a stop solution. In certain embodiments, the kit comprises all components, i.e., reagents, standards, buffers, diluents, etc., which are necessary to perform the assay. In specific embodiments, the components are individually presented in the kit such that the immunoassay may be performed as a capture-on-the-fly type combination immunoassay in which the solid support is coated with an agent that allows binding of the capturing moiety (e.g., a-33-biotinylated antigen or a biotinylated antibody) and the kit further comprises each of the individual capture and detection antigen pairs and the biotinylated capture antibodies in one container and a second container provides the detection antibody conjugate. The instructions for conducting the assay also can include instructions for generating a standard curve or a reference standard for purposes of quantifying anti-HPgV-2 antibody.

Any antibodies, which are provided in the kit, such as anti-IgG antibodies and anti-IgM antibodies, can also incorporate a detectable label, such as a fluorophore, radioactive moiety, enzyme, biotin/avidin label, chromophore, chemiluminescent label, or the like, or the kit can include reagents for labeling the antibodies or reagents for detecting the antibodies (e.g., detection antibodies) and/or for labeling the analytes or reagents for detecting the analyte. The antibodies, calibrators and/or controls can be provided in separate containers or pre-dispensed into an appropriate assay format, for example, into microtiter plates. In certain immunoassays, there are two containers provided. In the first container is provided at least a first, second and third pair of antigens, wherein the first antigen in each pair is a capture antigen from a given HPgV-2 protein that is biotinylated and the second antigen in each pair is a detection antigen from the same protein as the first antigen but is labeled with a detectable label (e.g., it is acridinylated) as well as one or more biotinylated antibodies designed for detecting one or more HPgV-2 antigens from a test sample; and in the second container is provided the antibody that forms the conjugation partner for detection of the antigen that is captured by the biotinylated antibodies from the first container. It is contemplated that where there are multiple biotinylated antibodies in the first container, the multiple antibodies that form the conjugation partners may be present in a single container or individual containers for each different antigen detecting conjugate antibody.

Optionally, the kit includes quality control components (for example, sensitivity panels, calibrators, and positive controls). Preparation of quality control reagents is well-known in the art and is described on insert sheets for a variety of immunodiagnostic products. Sensitivity panel members optionally are used to establish assay performance characteristics, and further optionally are useful indicators of the integrity of the immunoassay kit reagents, and the standardization of assays.

The kit can also optionally include other reagents required to conduct a diagnostic assay or facilitate quality control evaluations, such as buffers, salts, enzymes, enzyme co-factors, substrates, detection reagents, and the like. Other components, such as buffers and solutions for the isolation and/or treatment of a test sample (e.g., pretreatment reagents), also can be included in the kit. The kit can additionally include one or more other controls. One or more of the components of the kit can be lyophilized, in which case the kit can further comprise reagents suitable for the reconstitution of the lyophilized components.

The various components of the kit optionally are provided in suitable containers as necessary, e.g., a microtiter plate. The kit can further include containers for holding or storing a sample (e.g., a container or cartridge for a sample). Where appropriate, the kit optionally also can contain reaction vessels, mixing vessels, and other components that facilitate the preparation of reagents or the test sample. The kit can also include one or more instrument for assisting with obtaining a test sample, such as a syringe, pipette, forceps, measured spoon, or the like.

In preferred embodiments, the detectable label is at least one acridinium compound. In such embodiments, the kit can comprise at least one acridinium-9carboxamide, at least one acridinium-9-carboxylate aryl ester, or any combination thereof. If the detectable label is at least one acridinium compound, the kit also can comprise a source of hydrogen peroxide, such as a buffer, solution, and/or at least one basic solution. It should be understood that in the immunodiagnostic reagent the antigens for antibody detection may be detectably labeled, and any antibodies provided in kit for use along with such reagents also may be detectably labeled. If desired, the kit can contain a solid support phase, such as a magnetic particle, bead, test tube, microtiter plate, cuvette, membrane, scaffolding molecule, film, filter paper, disc or chip.

The present disclosure provides immunoassays and combination immunoassays method for determining the presence, amount or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies and HPgV-2 antigens in a test sample. Any suitable assay known in the art can be used in such methods. Examples of such assays include, but are not limited to, immunoassay, such as sandwich immunoassay (e.g., monoclonal-polyclonal sandwich immunoassays, including radioisotope detection (radioimmunoassay (RIA)) and enzyme detection (enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)(e.g., Quantikine ELISA assays, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, Minn.)), competitive inhibition immunoassay (e.g., forward and reverse), fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT), bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), and homogeneous chemiluminescent assay, etc.

In specific embodiments of the immunoassays, the recombinant antigens (e.g., core, NS3 and NS4 antigens) may be used as capture reagents (e.g., by using such antigens in which the amino- or carboxy-terminal of the antigen comprises a biotin tag) or as a detection (conjugate) reagents in which the antigens are either directly or indirectly labeled with acridinium. Indirect labeling may employ the use of acridinylated BSA covalently coupled to the free thiol of unpaired cysteine residues within a protein via SMCC-type linker. To facilitate such indirect labeling certain of the antigens used in the immunoassays of the present invention may readily be further modified to include additional cysteine residues at the C-terminus.

Typically, immunoassays are performed in 1-step or 2-step format. Solid phase reagents for capture of immune complexes formed in solution in the 1-step assay include anti-biotin monoclonal antibody, streptavidin or neutravidin to capture the biotinylated moiety (be it a biotinylated antigen for capture of an HPgV-2 antibody or a biotinylated antibody for the capture of an HPgV-2 protein/antigen in the test sample).

In a SELDI-based immunoassay, a capture reagent that specifically binds anti-HPgV-2-antibody or an HPgV-2 antigen is attached to the surface of a mass spectrometry probe, such as a pre-activated protein chip array. The anti-HPgV-2 antibody or the antigen is then specifically captured on the biochip, and the captured moiety is detected by mass spectrometry. Alternatively, the anti-HPgV-2 antibody can be eluted from the capture reagent and detected by traditional MALDI (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization) or by SELOI. A chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, in particular one employing the ARCHITECT® automated analyzer (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park), is an example of an immunoassay in which a combination of multiple antigens (e.g., antigens from two or more HPgV-2 proteins) as well as multiple anti-HPgV-2 antibodies may readily be employed. An agglutination assay, such as a passive hemaglutination assay, also can be used. In an agglutination assay an antigen antibody reaction is detected by agglutination or clumping. In a passive hemaglutination assay, erythrocytes are coated with the antigen and the coated erythrocytes are used in the agglutination assay. A second embodiment of the measurement of HPgV-2 neutralizing antibodies is the traditional virus neutralization test which employs cell lines susceptible to infection with HPgV-2, and measuring inhibition by one or more methods (e.g. immunofluorescence, plaque assay methods, etc.) (see, Temperton et al., Virol. J., 10:266-213, 2013, herein incorporated by reference).

Methods well-known in the art for collecting, handling and processing urine, blood, serum and plasma, and other body fluids, are used in the practice of the present disclosure, for instance, when the immunodiagnostic reagents comprise multiple antigens and/or in an anti-HPgV-2 antibody immunoassay kit. The test sample can comprise further moieties in addition to the polypeptide of interest, such as antibodies, antigens, haptens, hormones, drugs, enzymes, receptors, proteins, peptides, polypeptides, oligonucleotides or polynucleotides. For example, the sample can be a whole blood sample obtained from a subject. It can be necessary or desired that a test sample, particularly whole blood, be treated prior to immunoassay as described herein, e.g., with a pretreatment reagent. Even in cases where pretreatment is not necessary (e.g., most urine samples), pretreatment optionally can be done for mere convenience (e.g., as part of a regimen on a commercial platform).

The pretreatment reagent can be any reagent appropriate for use with the immunoassays and kits of the invention. The pretreatment optionally comprises: (a) one or more solvents (e.g., methanol and ethylene glycol) and salt, (b) one or more solvents, salt and detergent, (c) detergent, or (d) detergent and salt. Pretreatment reagents are known in the art, and such pretreatment can be employed, e.g., as used for assays on Abbott TOx, AxSYM®, and ARCHITECT® analyzers (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.), as described in the literature (see, e.g., Yatscoff et ai., -37-Abbott TDx Monoclonal Antibody Assay Evaluated for Measuring Cyclosporine in WholeBlood, Clin. Chem. 36: 1969-1973 (1990), and Wallemacq et aL, Evaluation of the New AxSYM Cyclosporine Assay: Comparison with TDx Monoclonal Whole Blood and EMITCyclosporine Assays, Clin. Chem. 45: 432-435 (1999)), and/or as commercially available. Additionally, pretreatment can be done as described in Abbott's U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,875, European Pat. Pub. No. 0 471 293, U.S. Provisional Pat. App. 60/878,017, filed Dec. 29, 2006, and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2008/0020401 (incorporated by reference in its entirety for its teachings regarding pretreatment). The pretreatment reagent can be a heterogeneous agent or a homogeneous agent.

With use of a heterogeneous pretreatment reagent, the pretreatment reagent precipitates analyte binding protein (e.g., protein that can bind to anti-HPgV-2 antibody or an antigen that can bind to an anti-HPgV-2 antibody form the present in the sample. Such a pretreatment step comprises removing any analyte binding protein by separating from the precipitated analyte binding protein the supernatant of the mixture formed by addition of the pretreatment agent to sample. In such an assay, the supernatant of the mixture absent any binding protein is used in the assay, proceeding directly to the antibody capture step.

With use of a homogeneous pretreatment reagent there is no such separation step. The entire mixture of test sample and pretreatment reagent are contacted with a labeled specific binding partner for anti-HPgV-2 antibody (i.e., an antigen) or the labeled specific binding partner for the HPgV-2 antigen (i.e., an antibody). The pretreatment reagent employed for such an assay typically is diluted in the pretreated test sample mixture, either before or during capture by the first specific binding partner. Despite such dilution, a certain amount of the pretreatment reagent (for example, 5 M methanol and/or 0.6 methylene glycol) is still present (or remains) in the test sample mixture during capture.

In a heterogeneous format, after the test sample is obtained from a subject, a first mixture is prepared. The mixture contains the test sample being assessed for anti-HPgV-2 antibodies and a first specific capture binding partner, wherein the first specific capture binding partner and any anti-HPgV-2 antibodies contained in the test sample form a first specific capture binding partner-anti-HPgV-2 antibody complex. The first specific capture binding partner may be any of a core antigen, an NS3 antigen or an NS3, or other HPgV-2 protein. Likewise, in certain embodiments, in the combination assays of the invention the mixture also contains a second and third specific capture binding partner and these second and third specific capture binding partners form second and third specific capture binding partner-anti-HPgV-2 antibody complexes with anti-HPgV-2 antibodies that are present in the test sample.

In addition the combination immunoassay may include at least one anti-HPgV-2 capture antibody that will form a specific complex with a fourth specific binding partner that is found in the test sample (i.e., an antigen or HPgV-2 protein that is found in the test sample) so as to form an anti-HPgV-2 antibody-four the specific binding partner complex with the fourth antigen that is present in the test sample.

In the combination immunoassays, the order in which the test sample and the various specific binding partners are added to form the mixture is not critical. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third specific capture binding partners (i.e., antigens) and the anti-HPgV-2 capture antibody are immobilized on a solid phase. In still other embodiments, none of these four components are immobilized but are instead all added at the same time to the test sample to effect capture onto the solid phase. The solid phase used in the combination immunoassay can be any solid phase known in the art, such as, but not limited to, a magnetic particle, a bead, a test tube, a microtiter plate, a cuvette, a membrane, a scaffolding molecule, a film, a filter paper, a disc and a chip.

After the immunocomplexes are formed between the first, second and third specific capture binding partners and their respective anti-HPgV-2 antibodies found in the test sample, and the first anti-HPgV-2 capture antibodies (e.g., anti-Core) and their respective HPgV-2 antigens or HPgV-2 proteins found in the test sample, any unbound antiHPgV-2 antibody or HPgV-2 antigen/protein is removed from the complex using any technique known in the art. For example, the unbound anti-HPgV-2 antibody or antigen can be removed by washing. Desirably, however, the first, second and third specific binding partners and the anti-HPgV-2 antibodies are present in excess of any anti-HPgV-2 antibody and antigens, respectively present in the test sample, such that all anti-HPgV-2 antibody and antigens that are present in the test sample become bound by the first, second, and third specific binding partner and anti-HPgV-2 capture antibodies respectively.

After any unbound anti-HPgV-2 antibody and antigen is removed, detection is achieved by addition of a first specific detection binding partner to the mixture to form a first specific capture binding partner-anti-HPgV-2 antibody-first specific detection binding partner complex. The first specific detection binding partner is preferably a combination of an anti-IgG antibody and an anti-IgM antibody. Moreover, also preferably, the first specific detection binding partner is labeled with or contains a detectable label. In specific embodiments, the first specific detection partner may instead or in addition be an antigen that binds the captured antibody. Likewise, in the combination assays of the invention the mixture also contains a second and third specific detection binding partner and these second and third specific detection binding partners form second or third specific capture binding partner-anti-HPgV-2 antibody second or third specific detection binding partner complexes with the captured anti-HPgV-2 antibodies that are present in the test sample. Again, the second and third specific detection binding partners may be a combination of an anti-IgG antibody and an anti-IgM antibody. In specific embodiments, the second and third specific detection partners may instead or in addition be an antigen that binds the captured antibody. Moreover, the second and third specific detection binding partners, be they anti IgM or IgG antibodies or antigens, are labeled with or contains a detectable label. In addition the combination immunoassay may include at least one anti-HPgV-2 conjugate antibody that will form a specific complex with the captured antigen or HPgV-2 protein that is found in the test sample so as to form an anti-HPgV-2 antibody—fourth specific binding partner-anti-HPgV-2 conjugate antibody complex with the fourth antigen that captured from the test sample.

Any suitable detectable label as is known in the art can be used as anyone or more of the detectable labels. For example, the detectable label can be a radioactive label (such as 3H, 125I, 35S, 14C, 32p, and 33p), an enzymatic label (such as horseradish peroxidase, alkaline peroxidase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and the like), a chemiluminescent label (such as acridinium esters, thioesters, orsulfonamides; luminol, isoluminol, phenanthridinium esters, and the like), a fluorescentlabel (such as fluorescein (e.g., 5-fluorescein, 6-carboxyfluorescein, 3′6-carboxyfluorescein, 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, 6-hexachloro-fluorescein, 6-tetrachlorofluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, and the like)), rhodamine, phycobiliproteins, R-phycoerythrin, quantum dots (e.g., zinc sulfide-capped cadmiumselenide), a thermometric label, or an immuno-polymerase chain reaction label. An introduction to labels, labeling procedures and detection of labels is found in Polak andVan Noorden, Introduction to Immunocytochemistry, 2nd ed., Springer Verlag, N.Y. (1997), and in Haugland, Handbook of Fluorescent Probes and Research Chemicals (1996), which is a combined handbook and catalogue published by Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, Oreg. A fluorescent label can be used in FPIA (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,593,896, 5,573,904, 5,496,925, 5,359,093, and 5,352,803, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties). An acridinium compound can be used as a detectable label in a homogeneous chemiluminescent assay (see, e.g., Adamczyk et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 16: 1324-1328 (2006); Adamczyk et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 4: 2313-2317 (2004); Adamczyk et al., Biorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 14: 39173921(2004); and Adamczyk et al., Org. Lett. 5: 3779-3782 (2003)).

An exemplary acridinium compound is an acridinium-9-carboxamide. Methods for preparing acridinium 9-carboxamides are described in Mattingly, J. Biolumin. Chemilumin. 6: 107-114 (1991); Adamczyk et al., J. Org. Chem. 63: 56365639(1998); Adamczyk et al., Tetrahedron 55: 10899-10914 (1999); Adamczyk et al., Org. Lett. 1: 779-781 (1999); Adamczyk et al., Bioconjugate Chem. 11: 714-724 (2000); Mattingly et al., In Luminescence Biotechnology: Instruments and Applications; Dyke, K. V. Ed.; CRC Press: Boca Raton, pp. 77-105 (2002); Adamczyk et al., Org. Lett. 5: 37793782(2003); and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,468,646, 5,543,524 and 5,783,699 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for its teachings regarding same).

Another exemplary acridinium compound is an acridinium-9-carboxylatearyl ester. An example of an acridinium-9-carboxylate aryl ester of formula II is 10methyl-9-(phenoxycarbonyl)acridinium fluorosulfonate (available from Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, Mich.). Methods for preparing acridinium 9-carboxylate aryl esters are described in McCapra et al., Photochem. Photobiol. 4: 1111-21 (1965); Razavi et al., Luminescence 15: 245-249 (2000); Razavi et al., Luminescence 15: 239-244 (2000); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,070 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for its teachings regarding same). Such acridinium-9-carboxylate aryl esters are efficient chemiluminescent indicators for hydrogen peroxide produced in the oxidation of an analyte by at least one oxidase in terms of the intensity of the signal and/or the rapidity of the signal. The course of the chemiluminescent emission for the acridinium-9carboxylatearyl ester is completed rapidly, i.e., in under 1 second, while the acridinium9-carboxamide chemiluminescent emission extends over 2 seconds. Acridinium-9carboxylatearyl ester, however, loses its chemiluminescent properties in the presence of protein. Therefore, its use requires the absence of protein during signal generation and detection. Methods for separating or removing proteins in the sample are well known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, ultrafiltration, extraction, precipitation, dialysis, chromatography, and/or digestion (see, e.g., Wells, High Throughput Bioanalytical Sample Preparation. Methods and AutomationStrategies, Elsevier (2003)). The amount of protein removed or separated from the test sample can be about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. Further details regarding acridinium-9-carboxylate aryl ester and its use are set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/697,835, filed Apr. 9, 2007, and published on Oct. 9, 2008, as U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2008/0248493. Acridinium-9-carboxylate aryl esters can be dissolved in any suitable solvent, such as degassed anhydrous N,N dimethylformamide (DMF) or aqueous sodium cholate.

Chemiluminescent assays can be performed, for example, in accordance with the methods described in Adamczyk et aL, Anal. Chim. Acta 579(1): 61-67 (2006). While any suitable assay format can be used, a microplate chemiluminometer (Mithras LB940, Berthold Technologies U.S.A., LLC, Oak Ridge, Tenn.) enables the assay of multiple samples of small volumes rapidly. The chemiluminometer can be equipped with multiple reagent injectors using 96-well black polystyrene microplates (Costar #3792). Each sample can be added into a separate well, followed by the simultaneous/sequential addition of other reagents as determined by the type of assay employed. Desirably, the formation of pseudobases in neutral or basic solutions employing an acridinium aryl ester is avoided, such as by acidification. The chemiluminescent response is then recorded well-by-well. In this regard, the time for recording the chemiluminescent response will depend, in part, on the delay between the addition of the reagents and the particular acridinium employed.

Hydrogen peroxide can be generated in situ in the mixture or provided or supplied to the mixture before, simultaneously with, or after the addition of an above described acridinium compound. Hydrogen peroxide can be generated in situ in a number of ways such as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Alternatively, a source of hydrogen peroxide can be simply added to the mixture. For example, the source of the hydrogen peroxide can be one or more buffers or other solutions that are known to contain hydrogen peroxide. In this regard, a solution of hydrogen peroxide can simply be added.

Upon the simultaneous or subsequent addition of at least one basic solution to the sample, a detectable signal, namely, a chemiluminescent signal, indicative of the presence of anti-HPgV-2 antibody (where capture is with an antigen) or antigen (where capture is with an antibody) is generated. In certain embodiments, the basic solution contains at least one base and has a pH greater than or equal to 10, preferably, greater than or equal to 12. Examples of basic solutions include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and calcium bicarbonate. The amount of basic solution added to the sample depends on the concentration of the basic solution. Based on the concentration of the basic solution used, one skilled in the art can easily determine the amount of basic solution to add to the sample.

The chemiluminescent signal that is generated can be detected using routine techniques known to those skilled in the art. Based on the intensity of the signal generated, the amount of anti-HPgV-2 antibody and/or antigen in the sample can be quantified. Specifically, the amount of anti-HPgV-2 antibody and/or in the sample is proportional to the intensity of the signal generated. The amount of anti-HPgV-2 antibody and/or antigen present can be quantified by comparing the amount of light generated to a standard curve for anti-HPgV-2 antibody and/or antigen or by comparison to a reference standard. The standard curve can be generated using serial dilutions or solutions of known concentrations of anti-HPgV-2 antibody by mass spectroscopy, gravimetric methods, and other techniques known in the art.

Anti-HPgV-2 antibody and/or antigen immunoassays can be conducted using any suitable format known in the art. In certain embodiments, a sample being tested for (for example, suspected of containing) anti-HPgV-2 antibodies can be contacted with a capture antigen and at least one detection antibody (which can be a second detection antibody or a third detection antibody), such as labeled anti-IgG and anti-IgM antibodies, either simultaneously or sequentially and in any order. Similarly, the test for presence of an antigen can be contacted with a captured antibody which binds the antigen in the test sample and the bound antigen may then be detected by a detection antibody.

For example, the test sample can be first contacted with at least one capture antigen and then (sequentially) with at least one detection antibody. Alternatively, the test sample can be first contacted with at least one detection antibody and then (sequentially) with at least one capture antibody. In yet another alternative, the test sample can be contacted simultaneously with a capture antigen and a detection antibody.

In the sandwich assay format, in certain embodiments, a sample suspected of containing anti-HPgV-2 antibodies (or a fragment thereof) is first brought into contact with an at least one first capture antigen under conditions that allow the formation of a first capture antigen/antiHPgV-2 antibody complex. In the combination assay, the same is repeated or simultaneously conducted with a second, third or more capture antigens. If more than one capture antigen is used, multiple first capture antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody complexes are formed. In a sandwich assay, the antigen(s), in certain embodiments, the at least one capture antigen, is/are used in molar excess amounts of the maximum amount of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies expected in the test sample. For example, from about 5 ug to about 1 mg of antigen per mL of buffer (e.g., microparticle coating buffer) can be used.

Competitive inhibition immunoassays, which are often used to measure small analytes, comprise sequential and classic formats. In a sequential competitive inhibition immunoassay the one or more capture antigen(s) (i.e., a polypeptide, and a pair of polypeptides, as described herein) to an antibody of interest (i.e., an anti-HPgV-2 antibody) is/are coated onto a well of a microtiter plate. When the sample containing the antibody/antibodies of interest is added to the well, the antibody of interest binds to the capture antigen(s). After washing, a known amount of labeled (e.g., biotin or horseradish peroxidase (HRP)) antibody is added to the well. A substrate for an enzymatic label is necessary to generate a signal. An example of a suitable substrate for HRP is 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). After washing, the signal generated by the labeled antibody is measured and is inversely proportional to the amount of antibody in the sample. In a classic competitive inhibition immunoassay antigen for an antibody of interest is coated onto a well of a microtiter plate. However, unlike the sequential competitive inhibition immunoassay, the sample containing the antibody of interest (i.e., an anti-HPgV-2 antibody) and the labeled antibody are added to the well at the same. Any antibody in the sample competes with labeled antibody for binding to the capture antigen. After washing, the signal generated by the labeled analyte is measured and is inversely proportional to the amount of analyte in the sample.

Optionally, prior to contacting the test sample with the at least one capture antigen (for example, the first capture antigen), the at least one capture antigen can be bound to a solid support, which facilitates the separation of the first antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody complex from the test sample. The substrate to which the capture antigen is bound can be any suitable solid support or solid phase that facilitates separation of the capture antigen-anti-HPgV-2 antibody complex from the sample. Examples include a well of a plate, such as a microtiter plate, a test tube, a porous gel (e.g., silica gel, agarose, dextran, or gelatin), a polymeric film (e.g., polyacrylamide), beads (e.g., polystyrene beads or magnetic beads), a strip of a filter/membrane (e.g., nitrocellulose or nylon), microparticles (e.g., latex particles, magnetizable microparticles (e.g., microparticles having ferric oxide or chromium oxide cores and homo- or hetero-polymeric coats and radii of about 1-10 microns). The substrate can comprise a suitable porous material with a suitable surface affinity to bind antigens and sufficient porosity to allow access by detection antibodies. A microporous material is generally preferred, although a gelatinous material in a hydrated state can be used. Such porous substrates may be in the form of sheets having a thickness of about 0.01 to about 0.5 mm, or about 0.1 mm. While the pore size may vary quite a bit, preferably the pore size is from about 0.025 to about 15 microns, or from about 0.15 to about 15 microns. The surface of such substrates can be activated by chemical processes that cause covalent linkage of an antibody to the substrate. Irreversible binding, generally by adsorption through hydrophobic forces, of the antigen to the substrate results; alternatively, a chemical coupling agent or other means can be used to bind covalently the antigen to the substrate, provided that such binding does not interfere with the ability of the antigen to bind to anti-HPgV-2 antibodies.

Alternatively, the anti-HPgV-2 antibody from the test sample can be bound with microparticles, which have been previously coated with antigen. If desired, one or more capture reagents, such as a pair of polypeptides as described herein, each of which can be bound by an anti-HPgV-2 antibody, can be attached to solid phases indifferent physical or addressable locations (e.g., such as in a biochip configuration (see,-46-e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,047, Int'l Pat. App. Pub. No. WO 99/51773; U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,209; Int'l Pat. App. Pub. No. WO 00/56934, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,828). If the capture reagent is attached to a mass spectrometry probe as the solid support, the amount of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies bound to the probe can be detected by laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. Alternatively, a single column can be packed with different beads, which are derivatized with the one or more capture reagents, thereby capturing the anti-HPgV-2 antibody in a single place (see, antibody derivatized, bead based technologies, e.g., the xMAP technology of Luminex (Austin, Tex.)).

After the test sample being assayed for anti-HPgV-2 antibodies is brought into contact with at least one capture antigen (for example, the first capture antigen), the mixture is incubated in order to allow for the formation of a first antigen (or multiple antigen)-anti-HPgV-2 antibody (or a fragment thereof) complex. The incubation can be carried out at a pH of from about 4.5 to about 10.0, at a temperature of from about 20 C. to about 45 0 C., and for a period from at least about one (1) minute to about eighteen (18) hours, or from about 1 to about 24 minutes, or for about 4 to about 18 minutes. The immunoassay described herein can be conducted in one step (meaning the test sample, at least one capture antibody and at least one detection antibody are all added sequentially or simultaneously to a reaction vessel) or in more than one step, such as two steps, three steps, etc.

After or simultaneously with formation of the (first or multiple) capture antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody complex, the complex is then contacted with at least one detection antibody (under conditions which allow for the formation of a (first or multiple) capture antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody/first antibody detection complex). The at least one detection antibody can be the second, third, fourth, etc. antibodies used in the immunoassay. If the capture antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody complex is contacted with more than one detection antibody, then a (first or multiple) capture antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody/(multiple) detection antibody complex is formed. As with the capture antigen (e.g., the first capture antigen), when the at least second (and subsequent) detection antibody is brought into contact with the capture antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody complex, a period of incubation under conditions similar to those described above is required for the formation of the (first or multiple) capture antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody/(second or multiple) detection antibody complex. Preferably, at least one detection antibody contains a detectable label. The detectable label can be bound to the at least one detection antibody (e.g., the second detection antibody) prior to, simultaneously with, or after the formation of the (first or multiple) capture antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody/(second or multiple) detection antibody complex. Any detectable label known in the art can be used (see discussion above, including Polak and Van Noorden (1997) and Haugland (1996)).

The detectable label can be bound to the antibodies (or antigens which may comprise detectable labels) either directly or through a coupling agent. An example of a coupling agent that can be used is EDAC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide, hydrochloride), which is commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo. Other coupling agents that can be used are known in the art. Methods for binding a detectable label to an antibody are known in the art. Additionally, many detectable labels can be purchased or synthesized that already contain end groups that facilitate the coupling of the detectable label to the antibody, such as CPSP-Acridinium Ester (i.e., 9-[N-tosyl-N-(3-carboxypropyl)]-1 O-(3-sulfopropyl)acridinium carboxamide) or SPSP-Acridinium Ester (i.e., N10-(3-sulfopropyl)-N-(3-sulfopropyl)-acridinium-9carboxamide).

The (first or multiple) capture antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody/(second or multiple) detection antibody complex can be, but does not have to be, separated from the remainder of the test sample prior to quantification of the label. For example, if the at least one capture antigen (e.g., the first capture antigen) is bound to a solid support, such as a well or a bead, separation can be accomplished by removing the fluid (of the test sample) from contact with the solid support. Alternatively, if the at least first capture antigen is bound to a solid support, it can be simultaneously contacted with the anti-HPgV-2 antibody-containing sample and the at least one second detection antibody (or the labeled detection antigen) to form a first (multiple) antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody/second(multiple) antibody (and/or labeled detection antigen) complex, followed by removal of the fluid (test sample) from contact with the solid support. If the at least one first capture antigen is not bound to a solid support, then the (first or multiple) capture antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody/(second or multiple) detection antibody (and/or detection antigen for the-48-captured antibody) complex does not have to be removed from the test sample for quantification of the amount of the label.

After formation of the labeled capture antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody/detection antigen (and/or detection antibody) complex (e.g., the first capture antigen/anti-HPgV-2 antibody/first detection antigen complex optionally also with a second detection antibody), the amount of label in the complex is quantified using techniques known in the art. For example, if an enzymatic label is used, the labeled complex is reacted with a substrate for the label that gives a quantifiable reaction such as the development of color. If the label is a radioactive label, the label is quantified using a scintillation counter. If the label is a fluorescent label, the label is quantified by stimulating the label with a light of one color (which is known as the “excitation wavelength”) and detecting another color (which is known as the “emission wavelength”) that is emitted by the label in response to the stimulation. If the label is a chemiluminescent label, the label is quantified by detecting the light emitted either visually or by using luminometers, x-ray film, high speed photographic film, a CCO camera, etc. Once the amount of the label in the complex has been quantified, the concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibody or antigen in the test sample is determined by use of a standard curve that has been generated using serial dilutions of anti-HPgV-2 antibody or antigens of known concentration. Other than using serial dilutions of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies or HPgV-2 antigens, the standard curve can be generated gravimetrically, by mass spectroscopy and by other techniques known in the art.

In a chemiluminescent microparticle assay employing the ARCHITECT® analyzer, the conjugate diluent pH may be about 6.0+/−0.2, the microparticle coating buffer should be maintained at room temperature (i.e., at about 17 to about 27° C.), the microparticle coating buffer pH should be about 6.5+/−0.2, and the microparticle diluent pH should be about 6.5+/−0.2. Solids preferably are less than about 0.2%, such as less than about 0.15%, less than about 0.14%, less than about 0.13%, less than about0.12%, or less than about 0.11%, such as about 0.10%.

FPIAs are based on competitive binding immunoassay principles. A fluorescently labeled compound, when excited by a linearly polarized light, will emit fluorescence having a degree of polarization inversely proportional to its rate of rotation. When a fluorescently labeled tracer-antibody complex is excited by a linearly polarized light, the emitted light remains highly polarized because the fluorophore is constrained from rotating between the time light is absorbed and the time light is emitted. When a “free” tracer compound (i.e., a compound that is not bound to an antibody) is excited by linearly polarized light, its rotation is much faster than the corresponding tracer-antibody conjugate produced in a competitive binding immunoassay. FPIAs are advantageous over RIAs inasmuch as there are no radioactive substances requiring special handling and disposal. In addition, FPIAs are homogeneous assays that can be easily and rapidly performed.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods of determining the presence, amount, or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies or antigens in a test sample. In some embodiments, the methods comprise assaying the test sample for anti-HPgV-2 antibodies or antigens by an assay: (i) employing an immunodiagnostic reagent comprising at least an isolated or purified polypeptide comprising HPgV-2 antigens, and at least one detectable label, and comparing a signal generated by the detectable label as a direct or indirect indication of the presence, amount or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies in the test sample to a signal generated as a direct or indirect indication of the presence, amount or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies in a control or calibrator, which is optionally part of a series of calibrators in which each of the calibrators differs from the other calibrators in the series by the concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies. The method can comprise the following steps: (i) contacting the test sample with the immunodiagnostic reagent comprising one of more recombinant HPgV-2 antigens so as to form first, second and third specific capture binding partner/anti-HPgV-2 antibody complexes with HPgV-2 antibodies that may be present in the test sample, (ii) contacting the first, second and third specific capture binding partner/first, second and third anti-HPgV-2 antibody complexes with at least one detectably labeled second specific binding partner for anti-HPgV-2 antibody (e.g., anti-IgG antibody and anti-IgM antibody or polypeptides as described herein) so as to form first specific binding partner/first, second and third anti-HPgV-2 antibody, respectively/second specific binding partner complexes, and (iii) determining the presence, amount or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies in the test sample by detecting or measuring the signal generated by the detectable label in the first specific binding partner/anti-HPgV-2 antibody/second specific binding partner complexes formed in (ii).

In certain embodiments, in addition to, or instead of, use of the anti-IgG and IgM antibodies, the second step comprises addition of first, second and third detection antigens that will specifically bind the anti-HPgV-2 antibodies that have been specifically captured by the first, second and third capture antigens, respectively so as to form first specific binding partner/anti-HPgV-2 antibody/second specific binding partner complexes, and the third step comprises: (iii) determining the presence, amount or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies in the test sample by detecting or measuring the signal generated by the detectable label in the first, second and third specific capture binding partner/first, second and third anti-HPgV-2 antibodies/first, second and third specific detection binding partner complexes formed in (ii).

In some embodiments, the methods can comprise the following steps: (i) contacting the test sample with the immunodiagnostic reagent comprising one of more recombinant antigens and simultaneously or sequentially, in either order, contacting the test sample with at least one detectably labeled second specific binding partner, which can compete with anti-HPgV-2 antibody for binding to the at least one pair of first specific binding partners and which comprises detectably labeled anti-HPgV-2 antibodies, wherein any anti-HPgV-2 antibody present in the test sample and the at least one detectably labeled second specific binding partner compete with each other to form first specific binding partner/anti-HPgV-2 antibody complexes and first specific binding partner/second specific binding partner complexes, respectively, and (ii) determining the presence, amount or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies in the test sample by detecting or measuring the signal generated by the detectable label in the first specific binding partner/second specific binding partner complex formed in (ii), wherein the signal generated by the detectable label in the first specific binding partner/second specific binding partner complex is inversely proportional to the amount or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies in the test sample. The recombinant antigens of which the immunodiagnostic reagent is comprised can be coated on microparticles. In this regard, the antigens of which the immunodiagnostic reagent is comprised can be co-coated on the same microparticles as additional HPgV-2 antigens. When the polypeptides of which the immunodiagnostic reagent is comprised are co-coated on the same microparticles (e.g., a microparticle suspension containing 4% solids (4% weight/volume microparticles or 4 g microparticles/100 mL microparticle suspension)), preferably the polypeptides are co-coated on the same microparticles in a ratio of about 1:2 to about 1:6, wherein, when the polypeptides are co-coated on the same microparticles in a ratio of about 1:2, the concentration of an isolated or purified antigen of the present invention is at least about 40 μg/mL and the concentration of the other isolated or purified polypeptide is at least about 80 μg/mL. If the test sample was obtained from a patient, the method may further comprise diagnosing, prognosticating, or assessing the efficacy of a therapeutic/prophylactic treatment of the patient. If the method further comprises assessing the efficacy of a therapeutic/prophylactic treatment of the patient, the method optionally can further comprise modifying the therapeutic/prophylactic treatment of the patient as needed to improve efficacy. The method can be adapted for use in an automated system or a semi-automated system.

In certain embodiments, provided here are methods of determining the presence, amount, and/or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies or HPgV-2 antigens or proteins in a test sample. In some embodiments, the methods comprise assaying the test sample by an assay: (i) employing: an immunodiagnostic reagent comprising at least one HPgV-2 antigen (and preferably two, three or more antigens) at least one detectable label (preferably each antigen being detectably labeled), and (ii) comparing a signal generated by the detectable label as a direct or indirect indication of the presence, amount or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies in the test sample to a signal generated as a direct or indirect indication of the presence, amount or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies in a control or calibrator, which is optionally part of a series of calibrators in which each of the calibrators differs from the other calibrators in the series by the concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies. The method can comprise the following steps: (i) contacting the test sample with the immunodiagnostic reagent comprising at least one, two, three or more recombinant HPgV-2 antigens invention so as to form first specific capture binding partner/anti-HPgV-2 antibody complexes, (ii) contacting the first specific capture binding partner/anti-HPgV-2 antibody complexes with at least one detectably labeled second specific binding partner for anti-HPgV-2 antibody (e.g., anti-IgG antibody and anti-IgM antibody or labeled antigens that bind the anti-HPgV-2 antibodies) so as to form first specific binding partner/anti-HPgV-2antibody/second specific binding partner complexes, and (iii) determining the presence, amount or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies in the test sample by detecting or measuring the signal generated by the detectable label in the first specific binding partner/anti-HPgV-2 antibody/second specific binding partner complexes formed in (ii). Alternatively, the method can comprise the following steps: (i) contacting the test sample with the immunodiagnostic reagent comprising at least one, two, three or more different HPgV-2 antigens and simultaneously or sequentially, in either order, contacting the test sample with at least one detectably labeled second specific binding partner, which can compete with anti-HPgV-2 antibody for binding to the at least one pair of first specific binding partners and which comprises detectably labeled anti-HPgV-2 antibodies, wherein any anti-HPgV-2 antibody present in the test sample and the at least one second specific binding partner compete with each other to form first specific binding partner/anti-HPgV-2 antibody complexes and a first specific binding partner/second specific binding partner complexes, respectively, and (ii) determining the presence, amount or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies in the test sample by detecting or measuring the signal generated by the detectable label in the first specific binding partner/second specific binding partner complex formed in (ii), wherein the signal generated by the detectable label in the first specific binding partner/second specific binding partner complex is inversely proportional to the amount or concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies in the test sample. The polypeptides of which the immunodiagnostic reagent is comprised can be coated on microparticles. In this regard, the polypeptides of which the immunodiagnostic reagent is comprised can be co-coated on the same microparticles. When the polypeptides of which the immunodiagnostic reagent is comprised are co-coated on the same microparticles (e.g., a microparticle suspension containing 4% solids (4% weight/volume microparticles or 4 g microparticles/100 mL microparticle suspension)), preferably the polypeptides are co-coated on the same microparticles in a ratio of about 1:2 to about 1:6, wherein, when the polypeptides are co-coated on the same microparticles in a ratio of about 1:2, the concentration of an isolated or purified polypeptide comprising the recombinant HPgV-2 antigen is at least about 40 μg/mL and the concentration of the other isolated or purified polypeptide is at least about 80 μg/mL. If the test sample was obtained from a patient, the method can further comprise diagnosing, prognosticating, or assessing the efficacy of a therapeutic/prophylactic treatment of the patient. If the method further comprises assessing the efficacy of a therapeutic/prophylactic treatment of the patient, the method optionally can further comprise modifying the therapeutic/prophylactic treatment of the patient as needed to improve efficacy. The method can be adapted for use in an automated system or a semi-automated system.

In certain embodiments, the kits (or components thereof), as well as the methods of determining the concentration of anti-HPgV-2 antibodies and/or HPgV-2 antigens in a test sample by an immunoassay as described herein, can be adapted for use in a variety of automated and semi-automated systems (including those wherein the solid phase comprises a microparticle), as described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,089,424 and 5,006,309, and as commercially marketed, e.g., by Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, Ill.) as ARCHITECT®.

In particular embodiments, some of the differences between an automated or semi-automated system as compared to a non-automated system (e.g., ELISA) include the substrate to which the first specific binding partner (e.g., antigen) is attached (which can impact sandwich formation and analyte reactivity), and the length and timing of the capture, detection and/or any optional wash steps. Whereas a non-automated format such as an ELISA may, in certain embodiments, require a relatively longer incubation time with sample and capture reagent (e.g., about 2 hours), an automated or semi-automated format (e.g., ARCHITECT®, Abbott Laboratories) may have a relatively shorter incubation time (e.g., approximately 18 minutes for ARCHITECT®). Similarly, whereas a non-automated format such as an ELISA may incubate a detection antibody such as the conjugate reagent for a relatively longer incubation time (e.g., about 2 hours), an automated or semi-automated format (e.g., ARCHITECT®) may have a relatively shorter incubation time (e.g., approximately 4 minutes for the ARCHITECT®).

Other platforms available from Abbott Laboratories include, but are not limited to, AxSYM®, IMx® (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,404, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety), PRISM®, EIA (bead), and Quantum.™. II, as well as other platforms. Additionally, the assays, kits and kit components can be employed in other formats, for example, on electrochemical or other hand-held or point of-care assay systems. The present disclosure is, for example, applicable to the commercial Abbott Point of Care (i-STAT®, Abbott Laboratories) electrochemical immunoassay system that performs sandwich immunoassays. Immunosensors and their methods of manufacture and operation in single-use test devices are described, for-63-example in, U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,081, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2003/0170881, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2004/0018577, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2005/0054078, and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2006/0160164, which are incorporated in their entireties by reference for their teachings regarding same.

In particular, with regard to the adaptation of an assay to the I-STAT® system, the following configuration is exemplary. A microfabricated silicon chip is manufactured with a pair of gold amperometric working electrodes and a silver-silver chloride reference electrode. On one of the working electrodes, polystyrene beads (0.2 mm diameter) with immobilized capture antibody are adhered to a polymer coating of patterned polyvinyl alcohol over the electrode. This chip is assembled into an I-STAT® cartridge with a fluidics format suitable for immunoassay. On a portion of the wall of the sample-holding chamber of the cartridge there is a layer comprising the detection antibody labeled with alkaline phosphatase (or other label). Within the fluid pouch of the cartridge is an aqueous reagent that includes p-aminophenol phosphate.

In certain embodiments, a sample suspected of containing anti-HPgV-2 antibody and/or HPgV-2 antigens is added to the holding chamber of the test cartridge and the cartridge is inserted into the I-STAT® reader. After the detection antibody or detectably labeled detection antigen has dissolved into the sample, a pump element within the cartridge forces the sample into a conduit containing the chip. Here it is oscillated to promote formation of the sandwich between the capture antigen (or capture antibody), anti-HPgV-2 antibody (or HPgV-2 antigen), and the labeled detection antibody (and/or detection antigen). In the penultimate step of the assay, fluid is forced out of the pouch and into the conduit to wash the sample off the chip and into a waste chamber. In the final step of the assay, the alkaline phosphatase label reacts with p-aminophenol phosphate to cleave the phosphate group and permit the liberated p-aminophenol to be electrochemically oxidized at the working electrode. Based on the measured current, the reader is able to calculate the amount of anti-HPgV-2 antibody or HPgV-2 antigen in the sample by means of an embedded algorithm and factory-determined calibration curve.

The methods and kits as described herein encompass other reagents and methods for carrying out the immunoassay. For instance, encompassed are various buffers such as are known in the art and/or which can be readily prepared or optimized to be employed, e.g., for washing, as a conjugate diluent, and/or as a calibrator diluent. An exemplary conjugate diluent is ARCHITECT® conjugate diluent employed in certain kits (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.) and containing 2-(N morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES), a salt, a protein blocker, an antimicrobial agent, and a detergent. An exemplary calibrator diluent is ARCHITECT® human calibrator diluent employed in certain kits (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.), which comprises a buffer containing MES, other salt, a protein blocker, and an antimicrobial agent. Additionally, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/142,048 filed Dec. 31, 2008, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/650,241, improved signal generation may be obtained, e.g., in an I-STAT® cartridge format, using a nucleic acid sequence linked to the signal antibody as a signal amplifier.

VII. HPgV-2 Immunogenic Compositions

In certain embodiments, provided herein are immunogenic composition compositions for treating or preventing HPgV-2 infection. In certain embodiments, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprise one or more such immunogenic composition compounds (e.g., portion of proteins shown in SEQ ID NOs:2-11, 76-218, and 304-353) and a physiologically acceptable carrier. Immunogenic compositions may comprise one or more such compounds and a non-specific immune response enhancer. A non-specific immune response enhancer may be any substance that enhances an immune response to an exogenous antigen. Examples of non-specific immune response enhancers include adjuvants, biodegradable microspheres (e.g., polylactic galactide) and liposomes (into which the compound is incorporated; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,877). Most adjuvants contain a substance designed to protect the antigen from rapid catabolism, such as aluminum hydroxide or mineral oil, and a stimulator of immune responses, such as lipid A, Bortadella pertussis or Mycobacterium tuberculosis derived proteins. Suitable adjuvants are commercially available as, for example, Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant and Complete Adjuvant (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.); Merck Adjuvant 65 (Merck and Company, Inc., Rahway, NT); AS-2 (Smith line Beecham); aluminum salts such as aluminum hydroxide gel (alum) or aluminum phosphate; salts of calcium, iron or zinc; an insoluble suspension of acylated tyrosine; acylated sugars; cationically or anionically derivatized polysaccharides; polyphosphazenes; biodegradable microspheres; monophosphoryl lipid A and quil A. Cytokines, such as GM-CSF or interleukin-2, -7, or -12, may also be used as adjuvants.

Pharmaceutical compositions and immunogenic compositions within the scope of the present disclosure may also contain other compounds, which may be biologically active or inactive. For example, one or more immunogenic portions of other antigens may be present, either incorporated into a fusion polypeptide or as a separate compound, within the composition or immunogenic composition. Polypeptides may, but need not, be conjugated to other macromolecules as described, for example, within U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,372,945 and 4,474,757. Pharmaceutical compositions and immunogenic compositions may generally be used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes.

Nucleic acid immunogenic compositions encoding a genome, structural protein or non-structural protein or a fragment thereof of HPgV-2 can also be used to elicit an immune response to treat or prevent HPgV-2 infection. Numerous gene delivery techniques are well known in the art, such as those described by Rolland (1998) Crit. Rev. Therap. Drug Carrier Systems 75: 143-198, and references cited therein. Appropriate nucleic acid expression systems contain the necessary DNA sequences for expression in the patient (such as a suitable promoter and terminating signal). In certain embodiments, the DNA may be introduced using a viral expression system (e.g., vaccinia, pox virus, retrovirus, or adenovirus), which may involve the use of a non-pathogenic (defective), replication competent virus. Suitable systems are disclosed, for example, in Fisher-Hoch et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 55:317-321; Flexner et al. (1989) Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 569:86-103; Flexner et al. (1990) Immunogenic composition 5: 17-21; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,603,112, 4,769,330, 4,777,127 and 5,017,487; WO 89/01973.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are determined in part by the particular composition being administered (e.g., nucleic acid, protein, modulatory compounds or transduced cell), as well as by the particular method used to administer the composition. Accordingly, there are a wide variety of suitable formulations of pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure (see, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th ed., 1989). Administration can be in any convenient manner, e.g., by injection, oral administration, inhalation, transdermal application, or rectal administration. Formulations suitable for oral administration can be composed of (a) liquid solutions, such as an effective amount of the packaged nucleic acid suspended in diluents, such as water, saline or PEG 400; (b) capsules, sachets or tablets, each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient, as liquids, solids, granules or gelatin; (c) suspensions in an appropriate liquid; and (d) suitable emulsions. Tablet forms can include one or more of lactose, sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol, calcium phosphates, corn starch, potato starch, microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin, colloidal silicon dioxide, talc, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and other excipients, colorants, fillers, binders, diluents, buffering agents, moistening agents, preservatives, flavoring agents, dyes, disintegrating agents, and pharmaceutically compatible carriers. Lozenge forms can comprise the active ingredient in a flavor, e.g., sucrose, as well as pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert base, such as gelatin and glycerin or sucrose and acacia emulsions, gels, and the like containing, in addition to the active ingredient, carriers known in the art.

VIII. Compound Screening

In certain embodiments, the HPgV-2 virus, nucleic acids and proteins of the present disclosure are used to assay for antiviral compounds, including compounds that inhibit (1) viral interactions at the cell surface, e.g., viral transduction (e.g., block viral cell receptor binding or internalization); (2) viral replication and gene expression, e.g., viral replication (e.g., by inhibiting non-structural protein activity, origin activity, or primer binding), viral transcription (promoter or splicing inhibition, nonstructural protein inhibition), viral protein translation, protein processing (e.g., cleavage or phosphorylation); and (3) viral assembly and egress, e.g., viral packaging, and virus release. Assays to identify compounds with HPgV-2 modulating activity can be performed in vitro. Such assays can use full length HPgV-2 or a variant thereof, or a mutant thereof, or a fragment thereof. Purified recombinant or naturally occurring protein can be used in the in vitro methods of the invention. In addition to purified HPgV-2, the recombinant or naturally occurring protein can be part of a cellular lysate or a cell membrane. In certain embodiments, the binding assay is either solid state or soluble. In certain embodiments, the protein or membrane is bound to a solid support, either covalently or non-covalently. In particular embodiments, the in vitro assays of the invention are substrate or ligand binding or affinity assays, either non-competitive or competitive. Other in vitro assays include measuring changes in spectroscopic (e.g., fluorescence, absorbance, refractive index), hydrodynamic (e.g., shape), chromatographic, or solubility properties for the protein.

In certain embodiments, a high throughput binding assay is performed in which the protein or a fragment thereof is contacted with a potential modulator and incubated for a suitable amount of time. In one embodiment, the potential modulator is bound to a solid support, and the protein is added. In another embodiment, the protein is bound to a solid support. A wide variety of modulators can be used, as described below, including small organic molecules, peptides, antibodies, etc. A wide variety of assays can be used to identify HPgV-2-modulator binding, including labeled protein-protein binding assays, electrophoretic mobility shifts, immunoassays, enzymatic assays, and the like. In some cases, the binding of the candidate modulator is determined through the use of competitive binding assays, where interference with binding of a known ligand or substrate is measured in the presence of a potential modulator. Either the modulator or the known ligand or substrate is bound first, and then the competitor is added. After the protein is washed, interference with binding, either of the potential modulator or of the known ligand or substrate, is determined. Often, either the potential modulator or the known ligand or substrate is labeled.

Many different chemical compounds can be used as a potential modulator or ligand in the screening assays of the invention. In certain embodiments, the assays are designed to screen large chemical libraries by automating the assay steps and providing compounds from any convenient source to assays, which are typically run in parallel (e.g., in microtiter formats on microtiter plates in robotic assays). It will be appreciated that there are many suppliers of chemical compounds, including Sigma (St. Louis, Mo.), Aldrich (St. Louis, Mo.), Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, Mo.), and Fluka Chemika-Biochemica Analytika (Buchs Switzerland). In certain embodiments, high throughput screening methods involve providing a combinatorial small organic molecule or peptide library containing a large number of potential therapeutic compounds (potential modulator or ligand compounds). Such libraries are then screened in one or more assays, as described herein, to identify those library members (particular chemical species or subclasses) that display a desired characteristic activity. The compounds thus identified can serve as lead compounds or can themselves be used as potential or actual therapeutics.

IX. Kits and Systems

In certain embodiments, provided herein are kits and systems comprising one or more reagents for use in a variety of diagnostic assays, including for example, immunoassays such as ELISA and “sandwich”-type immunoassays, as well as nucleic acid assay, e.g., PCR assays. Such kits and systems may preferably include at least a first peptide, or a first antibody or antigen binding fragment of the invention, a functional fragment thereof, or a cocktail thereof, or a first oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide pair, and means for signal generation. The kit's components may be pre-attached to a solid support, or may be applied to the surface of a solid support when the kit is used. The signal generating means may come pre-associated with an antibody or nucleic acid of the invention or may require combination with one or more components, e.g., buffers, nucleic acids, antibody-enzyme conjugates, enzyme substrates, or the like, prior to use. Kits and systems may also include additional reagents, e.g., blocking reagents for reducing nonspecific binding to the solid phase surface, washing reagents, enzyme substrates, enzymes, and the like. The solid phase surface may be in the form of microtiter plates, microspheres, or other materials suitable for immobilizing nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, or polypeptides. An enzyme that catalyzes the formation of a chemiluminescent or chromogenic product or the reduction of a chemiluminescent or chromogenic substrate is one such component of the signal generating means. Such enzymes are well known in the art. Where a radiolabel, chromogenic, fluorigenic, or other type of detectable label or detecting means is included within the kit or system, the labeling agent may be provided either in the same container as the diagnostic or therapeutic composition itself, or may alternatively be placed in a second distinct container means into which this second composition may be placed and suitably aliquoted. Alternatively, the detection reagent and the label may be prepared in a single container means, and in most cases, the kit or system will also typically include a means for containing the vial(s) in close confinement for commercial sale and/or convenient packaging and delivery (e.g., a box or other container).

In certain embodiments, the kits disclosed herein comprise at least one component for assaying the test sample for HPgV-2 (or a fragment thereof) and instructions for assaying the test sample for the HPgV-2 (or a fragment thereof). The at least one component for assaying the test sample for the HPgV-2 (or a fragment thereof) can include a composition comprising, for example, an antibody or antibodies against HPgV-2 (or a fragment, a variant, or a fragment of a variant thereof), which is optionally immobilized on a solid phase. In some embodiments, the kit can comprise at least one component for assaying the test sample for HPgV-2 by assay, e.g., chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, and instructions for assaying the test sample for an analyte by immunoassay, e.g., chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. For example, the kit can comprise at least one specific binding partner for HPgV-2 such as an anti-analyte, monoclonal/polyclonal antibody (or a fragment thereof that can bind to HPgV-2, a variant thereof that can bind to HPgV-2, or a fragment of a variant that can bind to HPgV-2), either of which can be detectably labeled. Alternatively or additionally, the kit can comprise detectably labeled HPgV-2 protein (or a fragment thereof that can bind to an anti-HPgV-2, monoclonal/polyclonal antibody or an anti-HPgV-2 DVD-Ig (or a fragment, a variant, or a fragment of a variant thereof)), which can compete with any HPgV-2 proteins in a test sample for binding to an anti-HPgV-2, monoclonal/polyclonal antibody (or a fragment thereof that can bind to HPgV-2, a variant thereof that can bind to HPgV-2, or a fragment of a variant that can bind to the HPgV-2) or an anti-HPgV-2 DVD-Ig (or a fragment, a variant, or a fragment of a variant thereof), either of which can be immobilized on a solid support. The kit can comprise one or more calibrators or controls, e.g., isolated or purified HPgV-2. The kit can comprise at least one container (e.g., tube, microtiter plates or strips, which can be already coated with a first specific binding partner, for example) for conducting the assay, and/or a buffer, such as an assay buffer or a wash buffer, either one of which can be provided as a concentrated solution, a substrate solution for the detectable label (e.g., an enzymatic label) or a stop solution. Preferably, the kit comprises all components, i.e., reagents, standards, buffers, diluents, etc. which are necessary to perform the assay. The instructions can be in paper form or computer-readable form such as a disk, CD, DVD or the like.

Any antibodies, such as an anti-biomarker antibody or an anti-HPgV-2 DVD-Ig, or tracer can incorporate a detectable label as described herein such as a fluorophore, a radioactive moiety, an enzyme, a biotin/avidin label, a chromophore, a chemiluminescent label or the like, or the kit can include reagents for carrying out detectable labeling. The antibodies, calibrators and/or controls can be provided in separate containers or pre-dispensed into an appropriate assay format, for example, into microtiter plates.

Optionally, the kit includes quality control components (for example, sensitivity panels, calibrators, and positive controls). Preparation of quality control reagents is well-known in the art and is described on insert sheets for a variety of immunodiagnostic products. Sensitivity panel members optionally are used to establish assay performance characteristics, and further optionally are useful indicators of the integrity of the assay kit reagents, and the standardization of assays.

The kit can also optionally include other reagents required to conduct a diagnostic assay or facilitate quality control evaluations such as buffers, salts, enzymes, enzyme co-factors, enzyme substrates, detection reagents, and the like. Other components, such as buffers and solutions for the isolation and/or treatment of a test sample (e.g., pretreatment reagents) also can be included in the kit. The kit can additionally include one or more other controls. One or more of the components of the kit can be lyophilized, in which case the kit can further comprise reagents suitable for the reconstitution of the lyophilized components.

The various components of the kit optionally are provided in suitable containers as necessary, e.g., a microtiter plate. The kit can further include containers for holding or storing a sample (e.g., a container or cartridge for a urine sample). Where appropriate, the kit optionally also can contain reaction vessels, mixing vessels, and other components that facilitate the preparation of reagents or the test sample. The kit can also include one or more instruments for assisting with obtaining a test sample, such as a syringe, pipette, forceps, measured spoon, or the like.

If the detectable label is at least one acridinium compound, the kit can comprise at least one acridinium-9-carboxamide, at least one acridinium-9-carboxylate aryl ester, or any combination thereof. Further, if the detectable label is at least one acridinium compound, the kit also can comprise a source of hydrogen peroxide, such as a buffer, a solution, and/or at least one basic solution. If desired, the kit can contain a solid phase, such as a magnetic particle, bead, test tube, microtiter plate, cuvette, membrane, scaffolding molecule, film, filter paper, disc or chip.

The kit (or components thereof), as well as the method of determining the presence, amount or concentration of HPgV-2 in a test sample by an assay, such as the assays described herein, can be adapted for use in a variety of automated and semi-automated systems (including those wherein the solid phase comprises a microparticle), as described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,089,424 and 5,006,309, and as commercially marketed, e.g., by Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, Ill.) as ARCHITECT. Some of the differences between an automated or semi-automated system as compared to a non-automated system (e.g., ELISA) include the substrate to which the first specific binding partner (e.g., an anti-HPgV-2, monoclonal/polyclonal antibody (or a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a fragment of a variant thereof) or an anti-HPgV-2 DVD-Ig (or a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a fragment of a variant thereof) is attached; either way, sandwich formation and HPgV-2 reactivity can be impacted), and the length and timing of the capture, detection and/or any optional wash steps. Whereas a non-automated format, such as an ELISA, may require a relatively longer incubation time with sample and capture reagent (e.g., about 2 hours), an automated or semi-automated format (e.g., ARCHITECT, Abbott Laboratories) may have a relatively shorter incubation time (e.g., approximately 18 minutes for ARCHITECT). Similarly, whereas a non-automated format, such as an ELISA, may incubate a detection antibody, such as the conjugate reagent, for a relatively longer incubation time (e.g., about 2 hours), an automated or semi-automated format (e.g., ARCHITECT) may have a relatively shorter incubation time (e.g., approximately 4 minutes for the ARCHITECT).

Other platforms available from Abbott Laboratories include, but are not limited to, AxSYM, IMx (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,404, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety), PRISM, EIA (bead), and Quantum.™. II, as well as other platforms. Additionally, the assays, kits and kit components can be employed in other formats, for example, on electrochemical or other hand-held or point-of-care assay systems. The present disclosure is, for example, applicable to the commercial Abbott Point of Care (i-STATED, Abbott Laboratories) electrochemical immunoassay system that performs sandwich immunoassays. Immunosensors and their methods of manufacture and operation in single-use test devices are described, for example in, U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,081, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2003/0170881, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2004/0018577, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2005/0054078, and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2006/0160164, which are incorporated in their entireties by reference for their teachings regarding same.

In particular, with regard to the adaptation of an HPgV-2 assay to the I-STAT system, the following configuration may be employed. A microfabricated silicon chip is manufactured with a pair of gold amperometric working electrodes and a silver-silver chloride reference electrode. On one of the working electrodes, polystyrene beads (0.2 mm diameter) with immobilized anti-HPgV-2, monoclonal/polyclonal antibody (or a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a fragment of a variant thereof) or anti-HPgV-2 DVD-Ig (or a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a fragment of a variant thereof), are adhered to a polymer coating of patterned polyvinyl alcohol over the electrode. This chip is assembled into an I-STAT cartridge with a fluidics format suitable for immunoassay. On a portion of the wall of the sample-holding chamber of the cartridge, there is a layer comprising a specific binding partner for an analyte, such as an anti-HPgV-2, monoclonal/polyclonal antibody (or a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a fragment of a variant thereof that can bind the HPgV-2) or an anti-HPgV-2 DVD-Ig (or a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a fragment of a variant thereof that can bind the HPgV-2), either of which can be detectably labeled. Within the fluid pouch of the cartridge is an aqueous reagent that includes p-aminophenol phosphate.

In operation, a sample suspected of containing an HPgV-2 is added to the holding chamber of the test cartridge, and the cartridge is inserted into the I-STAT reader. After the specific binding partner for HPgV-2 has dissolved into the sample, a pump element within the cartridge forces the sample into a conduit containing the chip. Here it is oscillated to promote formation of the sandwich. In the penultimate step of the assay, fluid is forced out of the pouch and into the conduit to wash the sample off the chip and into a waste chamber. In the final step of the assay, the alkaline phosphatase label reacts with p-aminophenol phosphate to cleave the phosphate group and permit the liberated p-aminophenol to be electrochemically oxidized at the working electrode. Based on the measured current, the reader is able to calculate the amount of HPgV-2 in the sample by means of an embedded algorithm and factory-determined calibration curve.

In certain embodiments, the methods and kits as described herein may include other reagents and methods for carrying out the assays. For instance, encompassed are various buffers such as are known in the art and/or which can be readily prepared or optimized to be employed, e.g., for washing, as a conjugate diluent, microparticle diluent, and/or as a calibrator diluent. An exemplary conjugate diluent is ARCHITECT conjugate diluent employed in certain kits (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.) and containing 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES), a salt, a protein blocker, an antimicrobial agent, and a detergent. An exemplary calibrator diluent is ARCHITECT human calibrator diluent employed in certain kits (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.), which comprises a buffer containing MES, other salt, a protein blocker, and an antimicrobial agent. Additionally, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/142,048 filed Dec. 31, 2008, improved signal generation may be obtained, e.g., in an I-Stat cartridge format, using a nucleic acid sequence linked to the signal antibody as a signal amplifier.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Discovery of a Novel Virus Tentatively Named HPgV-2

A cohort of 105 serum samples collected from patients in the United States with chronic hepatitis were pooled into groups of 6 samples each (50 μl×6=300 μl serum per pool) and treated with a mix of DNases (Turbo DNase, Ambion, Foster City, Calif. and Baseline DNase, Epicentre, San Diego, Calif.) at room temperature for 2.5 hours, followed by bead-based extraction using Qiagen's EZ1 viral extraction kit according to the manufacturer's protocol. Extracted nucleic acid from individual pools were grouped into two pools (N=12 samples) then prepared for next-generation sequencing library construction and indexing using a modified TruSeq (Illumina, San Diego, Calif.) protocol as previously described (Grard, et al. 2012; PLoS Pathogens 8(9): e1002924). The libraries were sequenced by Elim Biopharmaceuticals (Elim Biopharmaceuticals, Hayward, Calif.) in 2 lanes using Illumina's HiSeq2000 instrument. A total of 255 million raw paired-end reads were generated. These reads were processed using a customized bioinformatics pipeline titled sequence-based ultra-rapid pathogen identification (SURPI) (Naccache et al. 2014; Genome Research in press). By protein alignment, 3 paired-end reads were identified with remote homology to simian pegivirus, GB virus A in a single pool consisting of 32.7 million raw reads. PCR using primers (SEQ IDs:219 and 220) targeting one of the paired-end reads followed by confirmatory Sanger sequencing was used to pinpoint the individual sample containing HPgV-2.

To recover additional sequences from the viral genome, libraries were prepared from the remaining pooled nucleic acids (N=6 samples) using two library methods: Illumina TruSeq and Rubicon Genomics ThruPLEX (Ann Arbor, Mich.). These libraries were indexed and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq, generating a total of 13.4 million raw paired-end reads. The genome of the novel pegivirus was then reconstructed using (1) identification of overlapping reads by BLASTn (nucleotide) alignment to existing contigs at an e-value cutoff of 1×10⁻⁸, (2) identification of additional reads by BLASTx (translated nucleotide) alignment at an e-value cutoff of 1×10⁻² to the published sequence of GBV-A (now Pegivirus A, NC_001837) as a reference, and (3) iterative de novo assembly and reference-based assembly to existing contigs using the PRICE aligner (Ruby, et al., 2013; G3 3:865-880) and Geneious (Biomatters, Auckland, New Zealand), respectively. This resulted in the generation of six contiguous sequences (contigs) spanning ˜60% of the estimated pegivirus genome. These contigs were verified and gaps were closed using bridging PCR (primers shown in Table 18) and confirmation of resulting amplicons by Sanger sequencing. To recover the 5′ and 3′ ends, we ran a Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) procedure according to the manufacturer's instructions (FirstChoice RLM-RACE Kit, Ambion, Foster City, Calif.). The 3′ RACE protocol required the addition of a poly(A)-tail to the 3′ terminus with poly-A polymerase (New England BioLabs, Ipswich, Mass.) prior to RACE. The final 9,778-nt pegivirus draft genome included 604 sequence reads from the Illumina HiSeq run and 2,571 reads from the Illumina MiSeq run, with 87.8% of the assembled genome confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing

All confirmatory Sanger sequencing was performed by purifying amplicons on a 2% agarose gel, cloning them into plasmid vectors using TOPO TA (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.), and sending them to an outside company (Elim Biopharmaceuticals, Hayward, Calif.), for Sanger sequencing in both directions using vector primers M13F and M13R.

TABLE 18 Sequence_Name Sequence Tm SEQ ID NO: HPgV-2_set_1F GAG TCA CGC GGG GTG CTT 60.9 219 HPgV-2_set_1R CTT AAT ATA AGG GGC CAT ACT TTT GA 52.9 220 HPgV-2_set_2F TGG AAC CAG TCG TGT TGG AG 60.5 221 HPgV-2_set_2R GAA CAG CAG CAG GGG TCT AG 62.5 222 HPgV-2_set_3F CTA GAC CCC TGC TGC TGT TC 62.5 223 HPgV-2_set_3R TGA CTA CAG CCA CAC TTG GT 58.4 224 HPgV-2_set_4F ATA TGG GAG CTA CCA CTG CGG T 64.2 225 HPgV-2_set_4R TAA CAG GAC AGA ATC TAG GTA TGG AG 64.6 226 HPgV-2_set_5F TGT CTA TTG CTC TAC CTC CAG GTG 65.2 227 HPgV-2_set_5R TTC CAA AGC AAC GTA ACA CGG CG 64.6 228 HPgV-2_set_6F CGC CGT GTT ACG TTG CTT TGG AA 64.6 229 HPgV-2_set_6R TTA CCA GAA CCA GTA GGG GCA TAG 65.2 230 HPgV-2_set_7F ACA GTC ACA TTC CAA CAT TGA TGA ATA C 64.4 231 HPgV-2_set_7R TGC TCC CCT TCT ACC ACG ACC 65.3 232 HPgV-2_set_8F TAG GCG TGT GGT TTT CCG GTC T 64.2 233 HPgV-2_set_8R CCA ATC CCA CAC AGC GCG TAG A 65.8 234 HPgV-2_set_9F TCT ACG CGC TGT GTG GGA TTG G 65.8 235 HPgV-2_set_9R GGG TCT CAA ACT TGA TTG GAG GC 64.6 236 HPgV-2_set_10F CTA TGC CCC TAC TGG TTC TGG TAA 65.2 237 HPgV-2_set_10R GTA TTC ATC AAT GTT GGA ATG TGA CTG T 64.4 238 HPgV-2_set_11F ACT TAT TGA CTG ACA CAG GCG ACG 65.2 239 HPgV-2_set_11R TGC ATG CGC AAT GCA GCA GTA CAT 65.2 240 HPgV-2_set_12F GTG CCC ATA AGT GGC TAT TAG CTA T 64.1 241 HPgV-2_set_12R TGC TTA ATT GTT GGC CAA ATC TTT CAC 63.7 242 HPgV-2_set_13F ACG ATT CCG TGT GCC TAT GAT TGG 65.2 243 HPgV-2_set_13R CTG GGT TAC ATA AGT TAG TAG ACA TGC 65.3 244 HPgV-2_set_14F TCT CCG CCT CCA GCA GTT CAA 63.2 245 HPgV-2_set_14R AGC CGC AGT AGG ATA CAT GAC AAT A 64.1 246 HPgV-2_set_15F TGT GAT ATC ACA GGA AAA GTT GTC GG 64.6 247 HPgV-2_set_15R ACA GTC ACA GCC GCA GTA GGA TA 64.6 248 HPgV-2_set_16F GAG AAA ATG ATC CTG GGC GAT CCT G 67.4 249 HPgV-2_set_16R GCC GTG ATG GTG CTA TCA AAG CA 64.6 250 HPgV-2_set_17F GGG ACA CCT CAA CCC TGA AG 62.5 251 HPgV-2_set_17R TCA CTG CGG TAC CCA TTG AC 60.5 252 HPgV-2_set_18F ATA TGG GAG CTA CCA CTG CGG T 64.2 253 HPgV-2_set_18R GGT ACA GTA TTT GAG GTA GCT TTC AG 64.6 254 HPgV-2_set_19F CTT TTT GGT GCG CAG TGT TTG CCT 65.2 255 HPgV-2_set_19R TGT CAG GGA AGA CAA CAC CAC GAT 65.2 256 HPgV-2_set_20F ACA CTC ACA GGG CGT GCT GAA A 64.2 257 HPgV-2_set_20R ACG CCA AGT TCT CAC CAG TGA TG 64.6 258 HPgV-2_set_21F GTG TGG CTG TAG TCA AAA GTA TGG C 65.8 259 HPgV-2_set_21R CAG CAG TAC ATG GCA CCA CTC G 65.8 260 HPgV-2_set_22F TTC GGT CAT CGA CTG CGG GTG T 65.8 261 HPgV-2_set_22R CCA GCC AAG TTC CTG CAA TAG CTA A 65.8 262 HPgV-2_set_23F TTC ACT GCG CTT GCT GGC TTG G 65.8 263 HPgV-2_set_23R CCG TAA GGT GCC AGT GCC TGT 65.3 264 HPgV-2_set_24F AAG CAT CAA TCT GAA AGC TAC CTC AAA 63.7 265 HPgV-2_set_24R TGA ATC TTA TAG TGT CGT CCA AGT G 62.5 266 HPgV-2_set_25F CTGTGACTGCCCCTTTGGAA 60.5 267 HPgV-2_set_25R CATGCCAACGTCCGTGTATG 60.5 268 HPgV-2_set_26F AAC CCT TGC AAT TCT GGC CGA TGA 65.2 269 HPgV-2_set_26R AGA TCC CTG ACT GCT TGC GCC A 65.8 270 HPgV-2_set_27F CCC ACG GTC CTG ATG ATA GCA T 64.2 271 HPgV-2_set_27R GCT AAC CAG CCA AGT TCC TGC AA 64.6 272 HPgV-2_set_28F AAG TGA AAG ATT TGG CCA ACA ATT AAG CAA 65.1 273 HPgV-2_set_28R CCA CGC AGG TGA GCA GCC AA 64.6 274 HPgV-2_set_29F ACA ATT ATT ACA AAA GAA GCC CCA T 59.2 275 HPgV-2_set_29R AGT CAC AGC CGC AGT AGG A 59.5 276 HPgV-2_set_30F TTG ACA TGA CAG CGT CGG TG 60.5 277 HPgV-2_set_30R AGCGCGCATCTGATCTACAA 58.5 278 HPgV-2_set_31F AAC AGC GGT TGA TGT CTC C 57.5 279 HPgV-2_set_31R AAA GAT GCG CGC AAA CAC C 57.5 280 HPgV-2_set_32F AGCGCGCATCTGATCTACAA 58.5 281 HPgV-2_set_32R GCT AGT GCT ATA CTC GCT CTG CTT 65.2 282 HPgV-2_set_33F ATG ATG CAT GGC AGG TTC GCC AA 64.6 283 HPgV-2_set_33R GAT CAA TCG TGA CCT TAG CCT GC 64.6 284 HPgV-2_set_34F AAC TCG GCG ACC AGT GCC AAA AT 64.6 285 HPgV-2_set_34R TGT CTG CGC GCA AAA TGC CAG C 65.8 286 HPgV-2_set_35F GGC AAA GAC CTT CAG ACA ATC TGG 65.2 287 HPgV-2_set_35R CAC CCC GAC AAC -ITT TCC TGT GA 64.5 288 HPgV-2_set_36F TTG ATC GTG CAA AGG GAT GGG TC 64.6 289 HPgV-2_set_36R CTA ACA GTC CAA GCC AAC CTG CA 64.5 290 HPgV-2_set_37F GCC ATG AGG GAT CAT GAC ACT G 64.5 291 HPgV-2_set_37R TTT GCA CGA TCA GCG TTC CCG T 65.2 292 HPgV-2_set_38F CTG TCC TGT TAC TCC ATA CCT AGA TT 64.6 293 HPgV-2_set_38R CG ACA CCT GGA GGT AGA GCA A 63.2 294 HPgV-2_set_39F CCT CCA ATC AAG TTT GAG ACC C 62.1 295 HPgV-2_set_39R GTA CAC TCC AGC GCG CAT CT 62.5 296 HPgV-2_set_40F ACC AAG TGT GGC TGT AGT CA 58.4 297 HPgV-2_set_40R CCC CTG TTG TAT GCC TAG CC 62.5 298

Example 2 Confirmation of the Novel Virus, HPgV-2

This example describes methods used to confirm the presence of HPgV-2 virus in biological samples.

A. Sample Pre-Treatment and RNA Extraction

To independently verify and confirm the novel virus, plasma collected from the index patient (harboring UC0125.US) was evaluated at Abbott laboratories. The plasma sample (130 μl) containing HPgV-2 was thawed at room temperature. The sample was spun at 2650 g for 5 min at room temperature and the supernatant was transferred to a fresh tube. The sample was pre-treated with benzonase for 2 hrs at 37° C. to degrade free DNA and RNA. The 10× benzonase buffer was as follows: 200 mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5, and 100 mM NaCl, 20 mM MgCl₂. The benzonase reaction was as follows: 14 μl 10× benzonase buffer, 130 μl plasma, and 0.5 μl (250 U/μl benzonase: 892 U/ml final) (Sigma, E8263-25KU). The sample was then filtered with 0.22 μM spin filters (Millipore, UFC306V00) by spinning at 2650 g for 3 min.

The Qiagen Viral Mini extraction spin protocol was used for viral RNA purification. Alternatively, the Total Nucleic Acid prep can be used and samples processed on an Abbott m2000 according to manufacturer instructions (not described here). This protocol is suitable for purification of viral RNA from 140 μl plasma, serum, urine, cell culture media, or cell-free body fluids using a microcentrifuge. Larger starting volumes, up to 560 μl (in multiples of 140 μl), can be processed by increasing the initial volumes proportionally and loading the QIAamp Mini column multiple times, as described below in the protocol.

Before starting the purification protocol: i) equilibrate samples to room temperature (15-25° C.); ii) equilibrate Buffer AVE to room temperature for elution later; iii) check that Buffer AW1 and Buffer AW2 have been prepared according to the instructions; and iv) add carrier RNA reconstituted in Buffer AVE to Buffer AVL according to instructions.

The purification procedure is as follows. Step 1, pipet 560 μl of prepared Buffer AVL containing 2 μl of tRNA-MagMax carrier RNA into a 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube. Step 2, add 140 μl plasma, serum, urine, cell-culture supernatant, or cell-free body fluid to the Buffer AVL-carrier RNA in the microcentrifuge tube. Mix by pulse-vortexing for 15 seconds. Step 3, incubate at room temperature (15-25° C.) for 10 min. Viral particle lysis is complete after lysis for 10 min at room temperature. Longer incubation times have no effect on the yield or quality of the purified RNA. Potentially infectious agents and RNases are inactivated in Buffer AVL.

Step 4, briefly centrifuge the tube to remove drops from the inside of the lid. Step 5, add 560 μl of ethanol (96-100%) to the sample, and mix by pulse-vortexing for 15 seconds. After mixing, briefly centrifuge the tube to remove drops from inside the lid. Step 6, carefully apply 630 μl of the solution from step 5 to the QIAamp Mini column (in a 2 ml collection tube) without wetting the rim. Close the cap, and centrifuge at 6000×g (8000 rpm) for 1 minute. Place the QIAamp Mini column into a clean 2 ml collection tube, and discard the tube containing the filtrate. Close each spin column to avoid cross-contamination during centrifugation. If the solution has not completely passed through the membrane, centrifuge again at a higher speed until all of the solution has passed through.

Step 7, carefully open the QIAamp Mini column, and repeat step 6. If the sample volume was greater than 140 μl, repeat this step until all of the lysate has been loaded onto the spin column. Step 8, carefully open the QIAamp Mini column, and add 500 μl of Buffer AW1. Close the cap, and centrifuge at 6000×g (8000 rpm) for 1 min. Place the QIAamp Mini column in a clean 2 ml collection tube (provided), and discard the tube containing the filtrate. It is not necessary to increase the volume of Buffer AW1 even if the original sample volume was larger than 140 μl.

Step 9, carefully open the QIAamp Mini column, and add 500 μl of Buffer AW2. Close the cap and centrifuge at full speed (20,000×g; 14,000 rpm) for 3 min. Continue directly with step 11, or to eliminate any chance of possible Buffer AW2 carryover, perform step 10, and then continue with step 11. Step 10, optionally place the QIAamp Mini column in a new 2 ml collection tube, and discard the old collection tube with the filtrate. Centrifuge at full speed for 1 min.

Step 11, place the QIAamp Mini column in a clean 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube. Discard the old collection tube containing the filtrate. Carefully open the QIAamp Mini column and add 60 μl of Buffer AVE equilibrated to room temperature. Close the cap, and incubate at room temperature for 1 min. Centrifuge at 6000×g (8000 rpm) for 1 min. A first elution with 60 μl of Buffer AVE was performed and aliquots of 8 μl or 5 μl were stored at −20° C. or −70° C. A second elution of 60 μl was performed and frozen in one tube.

Step 12, RNA stocks are concentrated with RNA Clean & Concentrator-5 columns (Zymo Research) by adding 2 volumes RNA Binding Buffer to each sample RNA, mixing, then adding an equal volume of ethanol (95-100%). Samples are transferred to the Zymo-Spin™ IC Column in a 2 ml collection tube, centrifuged for 30 seconds and the flow-through is discarded. 400 μl of RNA Prep Buffer is added to the column, centrifuged for 30 seconds and the flow through discarded, followed by 700 μl of RNA Wash. Buffer, centrifuging for 30 seconds, and discarding of the flow-through. A final 400 μl volume of RNA Wash. Buffer is added to the column and centrifuged for 2 minutes to ensure complete removal of the wash buffer, then the column is transferred carefully to an RNase-free tube. 7 μl of DNase/RNase-Free water is added directly to the column matrix and centrifuged for 30 seconds to elute the RNA.

B. Reverse Transcription

cDNA was generated by random hexamer priming using SS RTIII (Invitrogen: 18080-051) with the HPgV-2 sample RNA as template. This was to allow detection by PCR using the primers listed in below (section C.) in Table 1.

The following volumes were employed: 7.6 μl sample RNA, 1 μl of random hexamer (50 ng/μl), 0.4 μl of oligo dT (50 μM), 1 μl dNTP mix (10 mM). This was heated at 65° C. for 5 min and returned to ice to add 10 μl of master mix. The mastermix was as follows: 2 μl 10 RT buffer, 4 μl 25 mM MgCl₂, 2 μl 0.1 M DTT, 1 μl RNAseOUT (40 U/μl), 1 μl Superscript III RT (200 U/μl). Incubate for 10 min at 25° C., then 80 min at 50° C. Terminate at 85° C. for 5 min then 4° C. Add 1 μl of RNAseH (Invitrogen, Y01220) to reactions and incubate for 20 min at 37° C. and then to 4° C. cDNA was aliquoted into 2×10 μl samples and frozen at −80 C.

C. HPgV-2 Primer Design and Testing

The following primers, in Table 1, were shown to work for amplifying portions of the recited region of HPgV-2.

Forward Primers Region v35 SEQ detected Name of Primer coordinates Sequence (5′−>3′) ID NO: S 35F   24 TATTGCTACTTCGGTACGCCTAAT  12 S 81F   76 AAGGGCCTAGTAGGACGTGTGACA  13 S 1F  119 CACTGGG GTGAGCGGAG GCAGCAC  14 S 15F  133 GAG GCAGCACCGA AGTCGGGTGA A  15 E1 307F  702 TGCCACCCATCCTATCTGCT  16 E1 487F  882 TATTGCTTGGTATGGCTGGGGTAT  17 E1 804F  893 ATGGCTGGGGTATACCTAARACA  18 E2 1147F 1133 TGGCGTACAAGCATCAATC  19 E2 1392F 1374 ACCGATTTCCGCTTTGTGCTAT  20 E2 1840F 1819 CCTGGGCTTGGGAAATGG  21 X 2283F 2372 CATG GGTGATTTCG CGGACTACT  22 X 2368F 2487 CCTCGGGGA CATCACGGGC ATCTA  23 X 2584F 2702 CTGTTAATGCTGCGCTCAATAGAA  24 NS2 2801F 2919 GCGGGTATTTGGTCTTGAGGTTTG  25 NS2 2978F 3372 TTTGGATCACGCGGCACATACATA  26 NS2 3028F 3423 ACGGGTGGCGCAAGCAGTCAGG  27 NS2 NS23_F5 3478 GAGGAGCCCACCTTTACTGA  28 NS3 Primer Set 2 3601 GAAGATCTGCCACCTGGTTT  29 NS3 Primer Set 7 3668 TCCTTCCTTAAGGCGACACT  30 NS3 3535F 3929 GAGCCGGGTTTGGGTGATGAATAA  31 NS3 Primer Set 4 3940 TGGGTGATGAATAACAACGG  32 NS3 Primer Set 3 4005 AATGACGACGTCTGTTTGGA  33 NS3 3681 4076 ACGCGTTGATGCTCGGTGGTTACT  34 NS3 Primer Set 15 4189 CCAGCTGTGACACCAACATA  35 NS3 Primer Set 1 4508 AGTCATTTGCGACGAGTGTC  36 NS3 5353F 5348 GGC CCA CGG TCC TGA TGA TA  37 NS3 5353Fv2 5348 GGCCCAYGGTCCAGACGATR  38 NS3 5353Fv128 5348 GGCCCATGGTCCGGATGATG  39 NS3 5605Fv2 5600 CCGTTTGGAGYGTTGAYAAC  40 NS4B 5605F 5600 CTGTTTGGAGCGTTGAGGTC  41 NS5A 6466F 6555 TACYGGCACCTTGTTGACCACCTG  42 NS5A 6383F 6778 CTAGAGCGGCGGGGCGACAAA  43 NS5A 6608F 7003 GAGGCGGTTGAGCTGCTGGAAGAG  44 NS5A 7284F 7279 TAG TTC AGG CGG CTT CAC GGT TTG  45 NS5A 7499F 7588 TGCGCCGT ACCAACAAAG  46 NS5A 7661F 7606 TGT CAC CCC TTG CAA ACT CCT ATT  47 NS5B 7783F 8178 AGTGTACGACGCTCCAATG  48 NS5B 8285F 8280 GCA CGA GTC GCG GAG AAA ATG A  49 NSSB 7886F 8283 ACG AGTCGCGGAG AAAATGA  50 NSSB 8385F 8380 CGC GCC TAC TGG AAC AAT  51 NSSB 8781F 8776 ACG CGC TTGATG ACT ATG GGT TTA  52 NSSB 9080F 9075 TTG ACG GTC CAC GGT AAC AG  53 NSSB/3′UTR 3raceo_9186F 9275 TGATCAAGTYGGGCGGGTGGAAT 357 NS5B/3′UTR 3raceo2_9249F 9338 GAACACCACARCCCGAACCAA 358 NSSB/3′UTR 9276F 9394 CGTCCGTACGAAAATTTGCACTTGAG 359 NS5B/3′UTR 9312F 9429 CGCAATCGTGGTGCTAGTCGCTTACG 360 NS5B/3′UTR 3racei_9380F 9469 GCTAGTGCTATACTCGCTCTGCTT 361 Reverse Primers Region v35 SEQ detected Name on Primer coordinates Antiparallel Sequence (5′−>3′) ID NO: S 208R  297 TGATAGGGTG GCGGCGGGC 362 S E5RACEin311R  400 ATACCTCCTC GGGCTGCC 363 S E313R  430 ATGGGAGCTA CCACTGCGGT G 364 S 345R  462 GCCGGTCACC AAGTCGTRTG CAG 365 S E5RACEo448R  537 GGTATGTGTT CSATCCGGTC CAAA 366 E2 1042R 1131 ATCCTTCT GGCTAGTCCT ACGGTT 367 E2 1227R 1316 TT TATTTGTTCA TGGGGGTCGTG 368 E2 957R 1352 GAAAACATCA CGCGTCCATA CAC 369 E2 990R 1385 CACCAGCACC GATTTCCGC 370 E2 1558R 1539 TTGTATTCTT GACCGCCGG 371 E2 2009R 1993 GTAATCCGAC GCCTGGCCG 372 X 2331R 2302 TGTGTCTGCC GGTTGCGA 373 X 2628R 2717 TCTCACCCTGT TAATGCTGCG CT 374 NS2 3015R 3133 CTGTCGGTTG TGGTCCTCTC GGTC 375 NS2 3317R 3435 AAGTCTCGGA ACGGGTGGCG CAA 376 NS3 Primer Set 5 3548 TGGACAATTGCTTGGAGGTA 377 NS3 3553R 3690 TCCTTCCTTA AGGCGACACT 378 NS3 3607R 3744 ATCGTGGTGT TGTCTTCCCT 379 NS3 3402R 3797 CACTGTATGC GACCGGCCA 380 NS3 3536R 3922 TAGACCCCTG CTGCTGTTCG CCGA 381 NS3 Primer Set 4 4025 CTGTCCCACGCACATAGATC 382 NS3 Primer Set 3 4073 TTTGTGTGATCACGGTCATG 383 NS3 Primer Set 15 4372 CCAAGTGTGGCTGTAGTCAAA 384 NS3 4092R 4487 GACGAATCTG CGGGGCTATG CTGT 385 NS3 4151R 4446 GCTACTCGGC ATTGGCGCAG 386 NS3 Primer Set 1 4584 AAAGCTGGAGTGAAGACCGT 387 NS4 5325R 5414 AACAACAGTAACAA AACACCCCT 388 NS4B 6109R 6104 CTTCCTGTTTGGGTGCCTTAC 389 NS4B 6129R 6124 TTACAGGTTGGGAAGCCGTGGTCG 390 NS4B 6129Rv2 6124 TTACAGGTTG GGAGGCCGTG GTYG 391 NS4B 6129Rv128 6124 TTACGGGTTG GGAAGCCGTG GTCG 392 NS5A 6701R 6789 WTCGTGGAKY TAGAGCGSCG G 393 NS5A 6907R 7293 GTAGTTCAGG CGGCTTCACG GTTT 394 NS5A 7012R 7407 AGTTTGAGGC CACCGCAGTA CCA 395 NS5B 7850R 7939 TTGAYGTCYC CGAGCGGCAG G 396 NS5B 8211R 8606 GTTGTCGGGG TGCGTAGCTG TCG 397 NS5B 8278R 8666 CTCAAGGTTC GCGCAGCT 398 NS5B 8080R 8076 AGGATGCTGTGTCAAAGATGCGCG 399 NS5B 9012R 9007 TATCCTACTGCGGCTGTGACTGTC 400 NS5B 9227R 9222 CCTCAGCGTTGGCCTTCTTTG 401 3′UTR 9616R 9611 CCTATCCGAGTTGGGCAAG 402 NS5B 9363R 9358 GTAAGAACACCACAGCCCGAACCA 403 3′UTR 9690R 9808 ACCACTTAAT GGTCGTAACT CGACC 404 3′UTR 9749R      9867(END) GTCAACGGCC CCTTTCATT 405 The forward and reverse primers listed in Table 1 form primer pairs in the order listed in the table. For example, the following are primer pairs based on SEQ ID NOs are provided: 12:362, 13:363, 14:364, 15:365, 16:366, 17:367, 18:368, 19:369, 20:370, 21:371, 22:372, 23:373, 24:374, 25:375, 26:376, 27:377, 28:378, 29:379, 30:380, 31:381, 32:382, 33:383, 34:384, 35:385, 36:386, 37:387, 38:388, 39:389, 40:390, 41:391, 42:392, 43:393, 44:394, 45:395, 46:396, 47:397, 48:398, 49:399, 50:400, 51:401, 52:402, 53:403, 357:404, and 358:405. Other combinations of these primers can be used to generate other primer pairs. Results

The presence of HPgV-2 in the UC0125.US sample was initially confirmed using the following primer pairs found in NS3: 3841F & 4460R (SEQ IDs: 38 & 39), 3987F & 4398R (SEQ IDs: 40 & 41); in NS5A: 6689F & 7318R (SEQ IDs: 42 & 43), 6914F and 7213R (SEQ IDs: 44 & 45); in NS2-NS3: 3334F & 3708R (SEQ IDs: 34 & 35); and in E1-E2: 793F & 1263R (SEQ IDs: 14 & 15). Bands of the expected sizes were detected after one round of 40 cycle RT-PCR and sequenced by Sanger, providing conclusive evidence of the existence of the HPgV-2 virus.

D. Next Generation Sequencing Library Prep

A randomly primed library was prepared from the sample discussed above for next generating sequencing (NGS) using the Ovation® RNA-SeqV2 kit (NuGen, Part No. 7102) according to manufacturer recommendations. Use 5 μl of each RNA (pre-treated and extracted as above in (A) as starting material. The thermal cycler programs were as follows.

Program 1: First Strand Primer Annealing (For RNA inputs>1 ng) 65° C.—5 min, hold at 4° C.

Program 2: First Strand Synthesis 4° C.—1 min, 25° C.—10 min, 42° C.—10 min, 70° C.—15 min, hold at 4° C. Second strand cDNA Synthesis

Program 3: Second Strand Synthesis 4° C.—1 min, 25° C.—10 min, 50° C.—30 min, 80° C.—20 min, hold at 4° C.

Program 4: SPIA® Amplification 4° C.—1 min, 47° C.—60 min, 80° C.—20 min, hold at 4° C.

First Strand cDNA Synthesis—Thaw the First Strand cDNA Synthesis reagents (blue) and nuclease-free Water (green). Spin A3 ver 1 briefly and place on ice. Vortex A1 ver 4 and A2 ver 3, spin and place on ice. Leave nuclease-free water at room temperature. On ice, mix 2 μl of A1 and 5 μl of total RNA sample (500 pg to 100 ng) in a 0.2 ml PCR tube. Place the tubes in a thermal cycler running Program 1 (65° C.—2 min, hold at 4° C. or 65° C.—5 min, hold at 4° C.). Once the thermal cycler reaches 4° C., remove tubes and place on ice. Prepare First Strand Master Mix. Be sure to pipet A3 enzyme slowly and rinse out tip at least five times into buffer.

Per sample combine 2.5 μl Buffer Mix A2+0.5 μl Enzyme Mix A3. Add 3 μl of First Strand Master Mix to each tube, mix by pipetting, spin and place on ice. Place the tubes in a thermal cycler running Program 2 (4° C.—1 min, 25° C.—10 min, 42° C.—10 min, 70° C.—15 min, hold at 4° C.). Once the thermal cycler reaches 4° C., remove tubes, spin and place on ice. Continue immediately with Second Strand cDNA Synthesis.

Second Strand cDNA Synthesis—Resuspend the Agencourt® RNAClean® XP beads provided with the Ovation RNA-Seq System V2 and leave at room temperature for use in the next step. Thaw the Second Strand cDNA Synthesis reagents (yellow). Spin B2 ver 2 briefly and place on ice. Vortex B1 ver 3, spin and place on ice. Prepare Second Strand Master Mix. Be sure to pipet B2 enzyme slowly.

Per sample combine: 9.7 μl Buffer Mix B1+0.3 μl Enzyme Mix B2. Mix well. Add 10 μl of Second Strand Master Mix to each reaction tube, mix by pipetting, spin and place on ice. Place the tubes in a thermal cycler running Program 3 (4° C.—1 min, 25° C.—10 min, 50° C.—30 min, 80° C.—20 min, hold at 4° C.). Once the thermal cycler reaches 4° C., remove tubes, spin and place on bench top. Continue immediately with Purification of cDNA.

Purification of cDNA—Ensure the RNAClean XP beads have reached room temperature. Mix the beads by inverting several times. At room temperature, add 32 μl of RNAClean XP beads to each reaction tube and mix by pipetting 10 times. Incubate at room temperature for 10 minutes. Transfer the tubes to the magnet and let stand for an additional 5 minutes. Remove only 45 μl of the binding buffer. Add 200 μl of freshly prepared 70% ethanol and let stand for 30 seconds. Remove the ethanol using a pipette. Repeat the ethanol wash 2 more times. Remove all excess ethanol after the final wash and let beads air dry for 15 to 20 minutes. Ensure the tubes have completely dried and no residual ethanol is left. Continue immediately with SPIA Amplification, with the cDNA bound to the dry beads.

SPIA Amplification—SPIA is an isothermal strand-displacement amplification process that uses a DNA/RNA chimeric SPIA primer, DNA polymerase and RNAse H to amplify DNA. Thaw the SPIA Amplification reagents (red). Invert C3 ver 7 to mix, spin and place on ice. Vortex C1 ver 9 and C2 ver 11, spin and place on ice. Prepare SPIA Master Mix. Per sample combine 20 μl Buffer Mix C2+10 μl Primer Mix C1+10 μl Enzyme Mix C3. Add 40 μl of SPIA Master Mix to each reaction tube and resuspend beads thoroughly by pipetting. Place on ice. Place the tubes in a thermal cycler running Program 4 (4° C.—1 min, 47° C.—60 min, 80° C.—20 min, hold at 4° C.). Once the thermal cycler reaches 4° C., remove tubes, spin and place on ice. Remove beads with magnet and transfer to new tube; store SPIA cDNA at −20° C.

SPIA amplified cDNA for sample UC0125.US was then purified with AMP Pure magnetic beads (Beckman Coutler, A63880) (1.8× volume=72 μl of beads) and eluted in 30 μl of EB buffer. SPIA amplified cDNA for samples ABT0070P.US and ABT0096P.US were purified using the Qiagen MinElute protocol as follows: (note: this is the preferred method of purification): Add 300 μl of buffer ERC (Enzymatic reaction clean-up) to 40 μl of sample. Vortex 5 sec then load entire sample to column (stored at 4° C.). Spin at 14K rpm for 1 min. Discard flow through and add 700 μl of buffer PE (EtOH added) to column. Spin at 14K rpm for 1 min then discard flow through. Replace column in same collection tube and spin again at 14K rpm for 2 min. Discard collection tube and blot column tip to paper towel to remove any residual EtOH from PE buffer. Finally, add 25 μl of EB buffer to the center of column filter placed in fresh Eppendorf collection tube. Let stand for 1 min then spin at 11K rpm for 1 min. Store eluted library on ice or at −20° C.

E. Determine cDNA Yield and Size Range

Run 1-2 μl of each cDNA on an agarose gel to estimate library size. With Qiagen Viral Mini extractions they are generally 150-250 bp in length. Measure the concentrations on a Qubit Fluorometer using dsDNA_BR (broad range) reagents (Molecular Probes/Life Technologies). Alternatively, libraries can be evaluated on a BioAnalyzer 2200 TapeStation.

F. Confirmatory PCR

Perform confirmatory PCRs to evaluate the virus-specific content of libraries Select primers for regions/genes of interest (see Table 1 of Section C). Use 2 μl of Ovation cDNA as template in PCR reaction. Determine appropriate controls and use Applied Biosystems Taq reagents. To 2 μl of cDNA template, add 2.5 μl 10×PCR buffer with 15 mM MgCl₂, 0.5 μl dNTP mix, 0.5 μl 10 uM fwd primer, 0.5 μl 10 μM rev primer, 0.2 μl Taq DNA polymerase, and 18.8 μl water. Run for 30-50 cycles depending on expectations and resolve products on an agarose gel to determine library quality/content.

G. Nextera Tagmentation

Nextera XT was used to incorporate Illumina adaptors and indexes into libraries. When multiplexing samples, it is essential to select compatible barcodes to achieve color balance. The Illumina protocol described below and was adapted from the Nextera XT Sample Prep kit (Illumina, #15032350) and used in conjuction with the Nextera Index kit: ref#15032353. Reactions can be assembled in 96 well plates, however, the samples were done here in 0.2 ml PCR tubes.

Step 1. Preparation—Remove the ATM, TD, and input DNA from −15° to −25° C. storage and thaw on ice. Ensure that NT is at room temperature. Visually inspect NT to ensure there is no precipitate. If there is precipitate, vortex until all particulates are resuspended. After thawing, ensure all reagents are adequately mixed by gently inverting the tubes 3-5 times, followed by a brief spin in a microcentrifuge. Reagent volumes are aliquoted as described and placed on ice (except NT) until added to reactions: TD Buffer: (sample #+1)*10 μl, ATM: (sample #+1)*5 μl, NT: (sample #+1)*5 μl, NPM: (sample #+1)*15 μl, Index 2: (sample#+1)*5 μl, Index 1: (sample#+1)*5 μl.

Step 2. Tagmentation of Input DNA—Ensure the reaction is assembled in the order described for optimal kit performance. The reaction does not need to be assembled on ice. Label a new 96-well TCY plate NTA (Nextera XT Tagment Amplicon Plate) or 0.2 ml tubes. Dilute cDNA in water to 0.2 ng/μl. This is typically ˜30-300× dilution of starting cDNA. 1 ng of input (5 μl of 0.2 ng/μl) is required for optimal results. Use ˜2 μl of stock in the appropriate volume of water to most accurately reach the final concentration of 0.2 ng/μl. Add 10 μl of TD Buffer to each well to be used in this assay. Change tips between samples. Add 5 μl of input DNA at 0.2 ng/μl (1 ng total) to each sample well of the NTA plate/tube. Add 5 μl of ATM to the wells/tubes containing input DNA and TD Buffer. Change tips between samples. Gently pipette up and down 5 times to mix. Change tips between samples. Cover the NTA plate with Microseal ‘B’. Centrifuge at 280×g at 20° C. for 1 minute. Place the NTA plate/tubes in a thermocycler and run the following program: 55° C. for 5 minutes; Hold at 10° C. Once the sample reaches 10° C. proceed immediately to Neutralize NTA.

Step 3. Neutralize NTA—Carefully remove the Microseal “B” seal and add 5 μl of NT Buffer to each well/tube of the NTA plate. Change tips between samples. Gently pipette up and down 5 times to mix. Change tips between samples. Cover the NTA plate with Microseal ‘B’/close tube. Centrifuge at 280×g at 20° C. for 1 minute. Place the NTA plate/tubes at room temperature for 5 minutes. After the tagmentation step, set up cycling conditions as described below.

Step 4. Library amplification and barcode addition—Place the NTA plate in the TruSeq Index Plate Fixture/tubes on ice. Add 15 μl of NPM (Nextera PCR Mix) to each well of the NTA plate/tube containing index primers. Add 5 μl of index 2 primers (white caps) to each column of the NTA plate/tube. Changing tips between columns is important to avoid cross-contamination. Add 5 μl of index 1 primers (orange caps) to each row of the NTA plate/tube. Tips should be changed after each row to avoid index cross-contamination.

Cover the plate with Microseal ‘A’ and seal with a rubber roller/close tubes. Centrifuge at 280×g at 20° C. for 1 minute. Perform PCR using the following program on a thermal cycler: Ensure that the thermocycler lid is heated during the incubation; 72° C. for 3 minutes; 95° C. for 30 seconds; set for 16 cycles of: 95° C. for 10 seconds; 55° C. for 30 seconds; 72° C. for 30 seconds; and 72° C. for 5 minutes. Hold at 10° C.

Library Purification—Samples were then purified using 1.8×AMP-PURE XP beads (Beckman Coulter, A63880) and eluted in 40 μl of RSB buffer (Illumina provided).

H. Library Quantification and Visualization

Visualize samples (1 μl) on the BioAnalyzer 2200 TapeStation using the following reagents from Agilent: D1K Screen Tape: ref#00-S019-120707-02-000084D1K ladder: ref#52715 90-240 Sample Buffer: ref#52907 98-221 Add 3 μl of loading buffer to 1 μl of library sample. Cap tube strips and vortex thenspin to collect. Remove caps and place in appropriate slot of TapeStation. Enter sample information and run electrophoresis. Adjust window limits for integration measurement of peak to determine concentration.

I. Prepare for MiSeq Run

The following procedure was followed to run HPgV-2-containing libraries on a MiSeq. Step 1. Thaw −20° C. reagent cartridge (e.g. 300 or 500 cycle V2 reagent kit; Illumina, 15033625) in water container filled to designated line. Put HT buffer on bench at RT. Let both thaw for 1 hr, invert cartridge several times then hit gently on bench to dislodge to any bubbles from the bottom. Put cartridge and HT1 buffer in refrigerator until ready to dilute/load sample. Place 4° C. reagent box at room temperature (buffer and flow cell). Shake/invert buffer and allow bubbles to dissipate for >1 hour. Wash flow cell with ddH₂0 thoroughly to remove salts thedry completely with a Kimwipe.

Step 2. Create a new sample sheet in Illumina Experiment Manager (IEM). Select MiSeq→small genome→resequencing workflow. Record experiment name, reagent IDs, sample IDs and barcode information.

Step 3. Combine libraries in equimolar amounts (or as desired) for multiplexing of sequencing library. Using concentrations (nM) determined on BioAnalyzer, calculate the dilutions to be made with water to bring each library to a 1.1 nM final concentration in 18 μl. Add 2 μl of 1N NaOH and denature for 5 min at room temperature.

Step 4. Dilute 1 nM library (20 μl) with 980 μl of HT1 for a final library concentration of 20 μM. Vortex and place on ice.

Step 5. Dilute a second time with HT1 buffer at 1:1 for a 10 μM library, adding in 1% PhiX control, vortex then place on ice. The library should contain 500 μl 20 μM library, 10 μl PhiX (diluted and denatured), and 490 μl of HT1 buffer.

Step 6. Denature the 10 pM library (+1% PhiX) by heat for 2 min at 96° C. then place on ice water bath for >5 min.

Step 7. Go to MiSeq Control Software and hit “Sequence” to set up the instrument. Follow instructions as provided and load experiment sample sheet.

Step 8. Dispense 600 μl of 10 pM library into reagent cartridge and hit “Start”.

Results

The MiSeq run was completed and the data was aligned to the consensus genome sequence generated in Example 1. From a total of 16,306,796 reads assigned to the HPg-V2 sample barcode, 249,693 (1.53%) of these mapped to HPgV-2. Sequences aligned uniformly and without gaps, covering 98.4% of the genome with an average depth of 3314X±426 reads/nt. In the region of overlap, this independent NGS dataset had 99.73% identity (9290/9315) to the draft genome produced in Example 1, with every mismatch either conserved (e.g. A→G, C→T) or resolving an ambiguous base in the latter (e.g. R→A, G). 156 bp of the 3′end previously determined by 3′RACE was absent in this NGS run, however, the data was mined by de novo assembly to extend the 5′ end by an additional 306 nucleotides, thereby adding to the putative core protein (S) and/or 5′UTR sequence. The combined data from Examples 1 and 2 yielded the 9778 bp genomic sequence (SEQ ID 1) found in FIG. 1. Subsequent NGS runs for additional strains of HPgV-2 extended the 5′UTR such that the total length of the genome is now 9867 nt.

Example 3 Generating an In Vitro HPgV-2 Template Control and qPCR Assay

This example describes methods of generating a HPgV-2 template positive control and qPCR assays carried out with this template. The NS2-NS3 region in HPgV-2 was selected to probe specimens by qPCR. Based on our NGS data, this region exhibited the least amount of sequence heterogeneity. The region we cloned is approximately 1260 by long and was inserted into pGEM-11Zf(+) (Promega, Madison Wis.) to enable in vitro transcription of this HPgV-2 template. This cloned sequence represents bases 3224 to 4483 of SEQ ID NO:1 and is shown in FIG. 4. As described further below, 5 sets of primers and probes were designed to detect the HPgV-2 RNA.

A. Linearize NS23EX Plasmid for Use as in vitro Transcription Template.

Step 1—Resuspend the 4 μg of lyophilized plasmid in 20 μl of elution buffer (EB) to bring concentration to 200 ng/μl.

Step 2—Digest with restriction enzyme(s) XbaI and HindIII found at the end of the 1260 bp insert. The pGEM®-11Zf(+) Vector can be used as a standard cloning vector and as a template for in vitro transcription and the production of ssDNA. The plasmid contains T7 and SP6 RNA polymerase promoters flanking a multiple cloning region within the alpha-peptide coding region of beta-galactosidase. The following reaction mixture was generated: 5 μl DNA (1 μg), 2 μl 10× M buffer, 2 μl 0.1% BSA, 1 μl XbaI, 1 μl HindIII, and 9 μl water. This was incubated at 37° C. for 2.25 hrs.

Step 3—Precipitate linearized plasmid DNA in a reaction mixture of: 20 μl DNA, 2 μl NH4 stop solution (Ambion), and 40 μl EtOH. Incubate at −20° C. for 15 min; spin at top speed for 15 minutes; wash with 80% EtOH and respin 5 min. Dry for 5 min and resuspend in 10 μl of EB to an estimated concentration of 100 ng/μl.

Step 4—Measure DNA concentration on a NanoDrop.

Step 5—Visualize plasmid digestion on agarose gel. Run uncut and cut vector side by side to compare.

B. In vitro Transcribe NS23EX Insert

Follow the Ambion Megascript T7 kit (AM1334) protocol as recommended then purify RNA. Step 1: Assemble 20 μl in vitro transcription reactions. Template DNA input volumes were as follows: 6.3 μl of linearized NS23Ex_pGEM11Zf (1 μg)+1.7 μl water; 2.0 μl of control pTRI-Xef vector+6 μl of water. Incubate for 4 hr at 37° C. in a plate incubator (dry). Add 1 μl of DNAse and digest for 15 min at 37° C.

Step 2: Trizol purification—Resuspend reaction in 230 μl of water then add 750 μl of Trizol. Suspended pTRI pellet in 25 μl of waterand NS23Ex pellet in 50 μl of water.

Step 3: Quantify RNA by Nanodrop and on the BioAnalyzer as described above using the R6K screen tape.

C. Reverse Transcription

cDNA was generated using SS RTIII (Invitrogen: 18080-051) for random hexamer priming. The HPgV-2 RNA in vitro transcribed from NS23EX/pGEM11-Zf(+) plasmid and the pTRI-Xef control RNA from Ambion were used as templates. Reactions were assembled as follows: 2.0 μl RNA (˜400 ng), (used the 1/10 dilution of NS23EX RNA; straight for pTRI), 5.6 μl water, 1 μl of random hexamer (50 ng/μl), 0.4 μl of oligo dT (50 μM), And 1 μl dNTP mix (10 mM). Heat at 65° C. for 5 min and return to ice to add 10 μl of master mix. Prepare the mastermix as follows: 2 μl 10 RT buffer, 4 μl 25 mM MgCl₂, 2 μl 0.1 M DTT, 1 μl RNAseOUT (40 U/μl), and 1 μl Superscript III RT (200 U/μl).

Incubate for 10 min at 25° C., then 20 min at 50° C. Terminate at 85° C. for 5 min then 4° C. Add 1 μl of RNAse H (Invitrogen, Y01220) to reactions and incubate for 20 min at 37° C. and then to 4° C. cDNA was aliquoted into 2×10 μl samples and frozen at −80° C.

E. HPgV-2 PCR

The following primers were used to confirm the HPgV-2 RNA. These primers were named with an older version of the HPgV-2 genome. Refer to their sequence ID numbers.

PCR 1_617 bp product (SEQ ID NO: 38) GAGCCGGGTTTGGGTGATGAATAA 3841F (SEQ ID NO: 39) CTGCGCCAATGCCGAGTAGC     4460R PCR 2_412 bp product (SEQ ID NO: 40) ACGCGTTGATGCTCGGTGGTTACT 3987F (SEQ ID NO: 41) ACAGCATAGCCCCGCAGATTCGTC 4398R The following volumes of reagents were used for PCR. 2 μl of diluted cDNA as template (NS23EX, pTRI; add 1.5 μl of cDNA stock+8 μl of water); 2.5 μl 10×PCR buffer with 15 mM MgCl₂; 0.5 μl dNTP mix; 0.5 μl 10 μM forward primer; 0.5 μl 10 μM reverse primer; 0.2 μl Taq DNA polymerase; and 18.8 μl water. Use the following PCR conditions: 1 cycle@94° C.: 2 min; 35 cycles@94° C.: 20 sec, 55° C.: 30 sec, 72° C.: 40 sec; 1 cycle72° C.: 7 min; 1 cycle 4° C.: hold. 5 μl of each sample was resolved on an ethidium bromide gel and photographed under UV light. F. qPCR with 7 Primer Sets

The following was performed to establish a TaqMan-based qPCR assay for the detection of HPgV-2 RNA in patient specimens. In vitro transcribed RNA (NS23Ex=2000 ng/μl), start the first dilution at 1/100 (20 ng/μl)→load 5 μl for 100 ng total. Repeat 10 fold dilutions using 2 μl in 18 μl of water for a total of 6 dilutions. For pTRI(200 ng/μl), dilute at 1/10→load 5 μl for 100 ng total. For total RNA, Take 3 μl of each RNA and dilute it with 27 μl of water ( 1/10). Included in this experiment were UC0125.US, CHU2725 [an HIV(+)/GBV-C(+) sample], and N-505 [HIV(+)/GBV-C(−) sample] all extracted in the same manner.

Make dilutions of primers & probes at the concentrations listed and combine reactions as follows for qPCR on an ABI light-cycler (Abbott m2000rt):

12.5 μl 2× RT-PCR Buffer

1 μl Forward primer, 10 uM

1 μl Reverse primer, 10 uM

1 μl Taq man probe, 3 uM

1 μl 25× RT-PCR enzyme mix

5 μl RNA sample

3.5 μl Nuclease-free water

25 μl total 20 ul of master-mix per well

The 7 sets of probes and primer pairs employed are shown in Table 2 below. The binding locations for these sequences are shown in FIG. 4.

TABLE 2 Primer Set 5: Amplicon Size = 70 NS23Ex F5 GAGGAGCCCACCTTTACTGA (SEQ ID NO: 54) NS23Ex R5 TACCTCCAAGCAATTGTCCA (SEQ ID NO: 55) NS23Ex Prb5 CACCAAACTCATTGTGTCATCCACGA (SEQ ID NO: 56) Primer Set 2: Amplicon Size = 89 NS23Ex F2 GAAGATCTGCCACCTGGTTT (SEQ ID NO: 57) NS23Ex R2 AGTGTCGCCTTAAGGAAGGA (SEQ ID NO: 58) NS23Ex Prb2 CCACCGGAGCACTCAGCTGG (SEQ ID NO: 59) Primer Set 7: Amplicon Size = 74 NS23Ex F7 TCCTTCCTTAAGGCGACACT (SEQ ID NO: 60) NS23Ex R7 AGGGAAGACAACACCACGAT (SEQ ID NO: 61) NS23Ex Prb7 AAACACCAGGGTCCGGCCAG (SEQ ID NO: 62) Primer Set 4: Amplicon Size = 85 NS23Ex F4 TGGGTGATGAATAACAACGG (SEQ ID NO: 63) NS23Ex R4 GATCTATGTGCGTGGGACAG (SEQ ID NO: 64) NS23Ex Prb4 CCACTCTGCCACACACCAACCC (SEQ ID NO: 65) Primer Set 3: Amplicon Size = 88 NS23Ex F3 AATGACGACGTCTGTTTGGA (SEQ ID NO: 66) NS23Ex R3 CATGACCGTGATCACACAAA (SEQ ID NO: 67) NS23Ex Prb3 CTGGTGAGCCCGAAGCACCC (SEQ ID NO: 68) Primer Set 15: Amplicon Size = 138 NS23Ex F15 CCAGCTGTGACACCAACATA (SEQ ID NO: 69) NS23Ex R15 TTTGACTACAGCCACACTTGG (SEQ ID NO: 70) NS23Ex Prb15 CCAGTGGACCTAGTCAAACAGGGACA (SEQ ID NO: 71) Primer Set 1: Amplicon Size = 96 NS23Ex F1 AGTCATTTGCGACGAGTGTC (SEQ ID NO: 72) NS23Ex R1 ACGGTCTTCACTCCAGCTTT (SEQ ID NO: 73) NS23Ex Prb1 TCGGCATACATGCGCACTGC (SEQ ID NO: 74) G. qPCR Assay A—TaqMan Based Detection of HPgV2

TaqMan assays using probes and primer pairs 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 were performed to detect 10-fold serial dilutions of the NS23Ex in vitro transcript and a 10-fold dilution of the UC0125.US RNA. Primers were ordered from a Applied Biosystems and HPLC purified. Probes have 5′6FAM and 3′TAMRA modifications. Ag Path-ID One StepRT-PCR Kit (Applied Biosystems, 438724) was used for buffer and enzyme mixes. Primer (10 μM) and probe (3 μM) concentrations were used as recommended.

Realtime qPCR cycling conditions were as shown below:

Step Stage Reps Temp Time Reverse transcription 1 1 45° C. 10 min RT inact/initial denaturation 2 1 95° C. 10 min Amplification 3 40 (45) 95° C. 15 sec  60° C. 45 sec 

Dispense 5 μl of sample (NS23Ex RNA dilutions, controls or sample RNA) to each well. The optional detection enhancer was not added. Dispense 20 μl of mastermix to each well. Spin to collect and seal.

The results are shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5A shows HPgV-2 primer/TaqMan probe sets (1-2-3-5-7; see FIG. 4 for sequences and positions) were used to detect 10-fold serial dilutions of the NS23Ex in vitro transcript and a 10-fold dilution of the HPgV-2 index case (UC0125.US) RNA (highlighted in bold). The lower right panel shows detection of 100 ng of NS23Ex and HPgV-2 RNA for each primer/probe set. FIG. 5B shows Ct values that were normalized to set 1_100 ng results and plotted on a log scale to estimate the amount of HPgV-2 RNA present in the index case. Negative controls included in the experiment were: 1) water, 2) pTRI (an irrelevant in vitro transcript), 3) CHU2725 (HIV+/GBV-C+ sample), and 4) N-505 (HIV+/GBV-C− sample) indicate there is no cross-reactivity with other infections (HIV, GBV-C). HCV purified virus (1000 plaque forming units) was tested at a later time and also shown to NOT cross-react with these primers (data not shown). The NS23Ex template was detected in a dose-dependent fashion by all primer/probe sets. None of the negative control RNAs were amplified by these primer, suggesting no cross-reactivity. The index case (UC0125.US) viral load is estimated at 1.5×10⁶ copies/ml based on these results.

H. qPCR Assay B-SYBR green qPCR

SYBR green qPCR assays were conducted using probe and primer sets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 15 and 44F (SEQ ID NO:12) and 342R (SEQ ID NO:13), which were used to detect 10-fold serial dilutions of cDNA made from the NS23Ex in vitro transcript (FIG. 6, curves A, B, C) and the HPgV-2 index case (UC0125.US) RNAs (FIG. 6, curve D). Negative controls (FIG. 6, curves E and F), N-505 (HIV(+)/GBV-C(−)) and water, were not amplified. The following samples were in each row: 1) NS23Ex 1:1000 cDNA; 2) NS23Ex 1:10,000 cDNA; 3) NS23Ex 1:100,000 cDNA; 4) GBV-E cDNA; 5) N505 cDNA; and 6) Water. The qPCR reactions were set up as follows: 2 μl cDNA (diluted at 1:5 from 20 μl SSRTIII reactions); 7.2 μl water; 0.4 μl Fwd primer (10 μM); 0.4 μl Rev primer (10 μM); and 10 μl SYBR green mix (Applied Biosystems).

The results are shown in FIG. 6. Each primer set showed a dose-dependent detection of the NS23Ex transcript and all detected UC0125.US cDNA at essentially the same Ct. None produced a signal for N505 or water.

I. qPCR Assay C

Primer/probe sets 2 and 3 were used in TaqMan qPCR assays and revealed three cases of HPgV-2 infection in donor plasma. RNA extracted from ProMedDx HCV(+) plasmapheresis donor plasma samples 48-96 was screened with TaqMan primer/probe sets 2 (top panel) and 3 (bottom panel) as described in FIG. 7A. Samples#70 and #96 (ABT0070P.US and ABT0096P.US) were detected by both sets. 10 ng and 10 fg of the NS23Ex in vitro transcript positive control are also shown. FIG. 7B shows results of an assay where RNA extracted from American Red Cross blood donor plasma [HCV RNA(+)/antibody(+)] samples were screened with TaqMan primer/probe sets 2 and 3 as above. Sample #128 (ABT0128A.US) was detected, but only by set 2 (bold). 10 ng and 10 fg of the NS23Ex in vitro transcript positive control are shown in green (probe 2) and purple (probe 3).

J. Tri-Plex Mastermix qPCR Assay

A new qPCR assay was developed based off current HPgV-2 strain sequence alignments (see FIG. 23 alignment) to simultaneously screen for HPgV-2 and GBV-C (HPgV-1)-infected specimens. RNA was extracted from donor samples using the automated Abbott m2000sp system followed by qPCR on the m2000rt instrument. An example of results which led to the identification of strains ABT0030P.US and ABT0041P.US is shown in FIG. 28. Detection of HPgV1 was achieved by targeting the 5′ UTR using FP 5′-TGTTGGCCCTACCGGTGTTA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 408) and RP 5′-CCGTACGTGGGCGTCGTT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 409) and three fluorescently labeled probes (5′-VIC-CTCGTCGTTAAACCGAGCCCGTCA-BHQ1-3′(SEQ ID NO: 410), 5′-VIC-CTCGTCGTTAAACCGAGACCGTCA-BHQ1-3′(SEQ ID NO: 411), 5′-VIC-CACGCCGTTAAACCGAGACCGTTA-BHQ1-3′(SEQ ID NO: 412)) to account for mismatched sequences. HPgV-2 primer/probe sequences are adapted from Keys, et al (Keys, J R. et al 2014 J Med Virol 86: 473-477) Detection of HPgV2 relied on amplification of the NS2-3 region (FP 5′-GTGGGACACCTCAACCCTGAAG-3′(SEQ ID NO: 413), RP 5′-GGGAAGACAACACCACGATCTGGC-3′(SEQ ID NO: 414), probe 5′-FAM-CCTGGTTTCCAGCTGAGTGCTCC-BHQ1-3′(SEQ ID NO: 415)) and the 5′ UTR (FP 5′-CGCTGATCGTGCAAAGGGATG-3′(SEQ ID NO: 416), RP 5′-GCTCCACGGACGTCACACTGG-3′(SEQ ID NO: 417), probe 5′-Quasar670-GCACCACTCCGTACAGCCTGAT-BHQ2-3′(SEQ ID NO: 418)). All primers were synthesized by IDT (Coralville, Iowa) and probes synthesized at Abbott Molecular (Des Plaines, Ill.). Cycling conditions were the following: 50° C., 4 minutes (1×); 75° C., 5 minutes (1×); 60° C., 30 minutes (1×); 91° C., 30 seconds; 58° C., 45 seconds (6×); 91° C., 30 second; 60° C., 45 seconds (+2 sec/cycle)(4×); 91° C., 30 second; 60° C., 45 seconds (+2 sec/cycle)(43X-Read). Reverse transcription and DNA polymerase activity was performed using the enzyme, rTth (Roche). In FIG. 28, a total of 4 specimens among the HIV-positive set were reactive for HPgV-2 RNA (CY5 and FAM channels: 5′UTR and NS2, respectively), however, two of each were from the same donor. A total of six specimens were GBV-C positive (VIC channel: 5′UTR).

Example 4 Detection of Antibodies Directed Against HPgV-2 Peptide/Proteins

This example describes the selection and evaluation of potential antigenic peptides and recombinant proteins from the HPgV-2 genome. A series of peptides, shown in Table 3, ranging in length from 20 amino acid residues to 45 amino acids residues were designed taking into account the predicted surface exposure (hydrophillicity profile and surface probability) and antigenic index scores.

Briefly, HPgV-2 proteins (S, E1, E2, NS3, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, and NS5B) were analyzed for predicted antigenic regions using DNASTAR Lasergene11 version 11.2.1 (29) Protean software (DNAStar, 3801 Regent Street Madison, Wis. 53705, USA). Potential antigenic regions were determined by a combination of hydropathy plot, antigenicity index, and predicted surface probability for each amino acid sequence. Hydropathy profiles for each open reading frame were generated and assessed for areas that had the potential to be exposed when in aqueous solution (hydrophilic). Surface probability determination refers to the bias a sequence has to being on the surface of the molecule. The Emini surface probability method was employed where the predicted probability of a given amino acid to be water solvent exposed is determined for a sequence of amino acids (Emini et al., J Virol. 1985 September: 55(3):836-9). Predicted antigenic regions would have the property of surface exposure. Antigenic index was determined using the Jameson-Wolf algorithm where surface accessibility of residues is combined with predicted backbone flexibility and secondary structure (Jameson B. A and Wolf H. Comput Appl Biosci (1988) 4 (1): 181-186). Peptides were designed to sequences found in HPgV-2 proteins (S, E1, E2, NS3, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, and NS5B) with consideration of predicted surface exposure (hydrophilicity profile and surface probability) and antigenic index scores (Table 3).

Peptides (Table 3) were generated with an amino terminal biotinylation modification (Genscript USA Inc, Piscataway, N.J.). Peptides were biotinylated to allow for a strong covalent interaction with avidin and streptavidin coated microparticles which can be used to immobilize the peptides on a solid surface (e.g. microparticles), that are used for solid-phase based immunoassays.

TABLE 3 Peptide SEQ # Protein Sequence ID NO:  1 S GGSCRSPSRVQVARRVLQLSAFLALIGSGMSSIRSKTEGRIESGQ  86  2 RDGSLHWSHARHHSVQPDRVAAGPPSVTSVERNMGSSTDQT  87  3 E2 SMNSDSPFGTFTRNTESRFSIPRFSPVKINS  88  4 NS3 QAPAVTPTYSEITYYAPTGSGKSTKYPVDLVKQGHKVLVL  89  5 VKSMAPYIKETYKIRPEIRAGTGPDGVTVITG  90  6 PETNLRGYAVVISDESHDTSS  91  7 PCTAALRMQRRGRTGRGRRGAYYTTSPGAAPCVS  92  8 NS4B LSERFGQQLSKLSLWRSVYHWAQAREGYTQCG  93  9 NS5A NPTTTGTGTLRPDISDANKLGFRYGVADIVELERRGDKWH  94 10 QNLAARRRAEYDAWQVRQAVGDEYTRLADEDVD  95 11 RFVPPVPKPRTRVSGVLERVRMCMRTPPIKF  96 12 NS5B NTTRDHNNGITYTDLVSGRAKP  97 13 DAPMRIIPKPEVFPRDKSTRKPPRFIVFPGCAARV  98 14 MPLLCMLIRNEPSQTGTLVT  99 15 S AEAAPKSGELDSQCDHLAWSFMEGMPTGTLIVQRDGSLH 217 16 NS4A-B SVEVRFAGVTRFDATDETAAYAQRLYQACADSGIFASLQGTASAALGKLA 218 Populations to be Tested

Previous studies indicate that GBV-C, the human virus most closely related to HPgV-2, is frequently detected in HCV infected individuals and in commercial blood donors (e.g. paid plasmapheresis donors). It was postulated that HPgV-2 may likewise be found in higher prevalence rates in commercial donors than in the general population. Thus a population of samples from plasmapheresis donors was selected for study. Further, since the index case (UC0125.US)) was also HCV infected, it was reasoned that additional HPgV-2 cases might be detected among samples that are antibody positive for HCV. Thus, one of the first populations selected for study was plasmapheresis donors whose plasma were previously tested as positive both for antibodies to HCV and for HCV RNA.

Testing Procedures

Three pools of peptides were generated: Pool 1 contained the following peptides: P 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8; Pool 2 contained the following peptides: P 9, 10, 11, 13, 14; and Pool 3 contained the following peptides: P 3, 6, 12.

In the first step of the assay, a sample (e.g. human serum or plasma) is added to a reaction vessel along with a specimen diluent buffer (containing buffering salts and detergents) containing one of the pools of the biotinylated peptides (800 ng/ml each) and the solid phase coated with streptavidin (Dynabeads M-270 Streptavidin, Life Technologies 3175 Staley Road Grand Island, N.Y. 14072). This sample is incubated for 18 minutes. During this time, the solid phase captures both the biotinylated peptide and the antibody complexed to the peptide (immune complex). Following the 18 minute incubation step, unreacted sample is removed, and the second step of the assay is initiated by adding a signal generating conjugate to the reaction vessel. The conjugate (in this case, 16 ng/mL of mouse-anti-human IgG conjugated to a chemiluminescent enzyme (acridinium)) recognizes the human immunoglobulins that have bound to the peptide and are now affixed to the solid phase. After a washing step to remove unreacted material, the microparticles are washed, and then incubated with a substrate capable of triggering chemiluminescence. The amount of luminescence was then measured in relative light units (RLU) using a bioluminescence imager. The steps of this assay are shown in FIG. 8.

Each sample is tested using three pools of peptides as described above. Samples are considered to be reactive (or above the cutoff value) if the signal for a given sample is 10-fold or more fold higher than the signal obtained with a negative control sample. It is noted that the negative control sample is prepared by pooling a series of samples from individuals at low risk for viral infection and who have tested negative for several common viruses including HIV, HBV and HCV. A second type of control is used wherein the samples are reacted in a vessel that contains the diluents and streptavidin coated microparticles but does not contain any of the 14 peptides listed in Table 3. It is expected that sample results should be negative when peptides are not present. When samples are reactive in the absence of the peptides, the sample is considered to be non-specifically reactive with the solid phase containing streptavidin, and were not included in the various lists of antibody positive samples provided in the following tables.

Results:

A panel of samples from first-time plasmapheresis donors, testing positive for, both by an antibody test for HCV (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park Ill. 60064) and a HCV RNA test (Bayer Versant HCV RNA 3.0 assay (bDNA) was obtained from ProMedDx (Norton, Mass.). The samples were tested against the three pools of peptides as described above. A total of 19 of the 200 samples were reactive with one or more of the three peptide pools. One sample (S188) was reactive with all three peptides pools, while two samples (S 80 and S 96) were reactive with two peptides pools (Table 4).

TABLE 4 List of ProMedDx Samples that are antibody positive for HPgV-2 Peptide Pools ProMedDx Samples (anti-HCV positive, HCV RNA positive Peptide Peptide Peptide plasmapheresis donors) Pool 1 Pool 2 Pool 3 Sample ID S/CO* S/CO* S/CO* S 188 3.01 2.75 1.52 S 80 2.05 12.16   NR** S 96 NR 9.93 1.42 S 164 1.42 NR 5.25 S 66 1.20 NR NR S 147 1.04 NR NR S 182 2.07 NR NR S 70 NR 7.61 NR S 27 NR 3.11 NR S 89 NR 2.75 BR S 192 NR NR 5.74 S059 NR NR 2.31 S115 NR NR 3.21 S 5 NR NR 4.70 S 3 NR NR 2.22 S 33 NR NR 1.70 S 109 NR NR 1.48 S 148 NR NR 1.45 S 45 NR NR 1.37 *S/CO = sample to cutoff value > 1.0 is considered reactive for antibodies to that peptide. The cutoff was determined as 10 times the signal for the negative control value. **Non-reactive Samples reactive with pooled peptides were retested with individual peptides from the reactive peptide pool as shown below. All 200 samples were also tested with individual Peptide 15 and Peptide 16. Data below indicate that 8 samples were reactive with two or more individual peptides and 16 samples were reactive only with single peptides (Table 5). A total of 24 samples were reactive with one or more of the synthetic peptides that were evaluated: 176 of the 200 samples were non-reactive for the peptides used in the assay.

TABLE 5 Individual peptide results on ProMedDx samples reactive with peptide pools. Abbott ID 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PCR result 200 HCV RNA and Ab S188 1.7 5.2 1.9 4.8 1.3 positive positive samples from S182 4.2 negative PreMedDx S080 4.3 9.6 16.5 negative S164 1.5 1.2 1.9 3.9 2.6 1.1 3.2 5.5 negative S066 4.9 negative S147 2 1.5 negative S096 1.6 3.5 1.1 1 20.7 positive S070 5.3 1.1 positive S027 4.3 4.6 negative S089 5.4 2.5 negative “S192” 4.6 negative “S005” 4.3 negative “S115” 1.5 negative “S059” 2.5 negative “S003” 1.3 negative “S033” 1.2 negative “S109” 1.3 negative “S148” 2.1 negative “S045” 4.7 negative S093 16.6 negative S133 1.4 negative S020 1.1 negative S123 7.8 negative S044 2.4 negative S065 negative S114 negative *S/CO = sample to cutoff value >1.0 is considered reactive for antibodies to that peptide. The cutoff was determined as 10 times the signal for the negative control value.

An antibody positive result for any HPgV-2 peptide is consistent with previous or current infection with HPgV-2; the prevalence in this population may be as high as 12% (24 reactive samples among 200 samples).

It can be uncertain as to which results indicate past or current infection with HPgV-2. Confirmatory tests are often utilized to provide supportive evidence that a given serologic result correlates to infection with the agent being studied. In many cases, RT-PCR testing is utilized determine if an antibody positive individual is actively infected with a given agent. A positive RT-PCR result supports that idea that the serologic test is correct. However, a negative RT-PCR result however, does not over rule the serologic test, as some seropositive individuals may have cleared the infection, thus producing a negative RT-PCR result.

RT-PCR testing was performed on all 200 samples from ProMedDx using the primer and probe sets described in Example 3. Three samples were determined to be positive by RT-PCR (ABT0070P, ABT0096P, ABT0188P) and have subsequently been confirmed by next generation sequencing (Example 5).

Serology Tests with UC0125.US Case

An aliquot of the index case (UC0125.US) was tested for antibodies to peptides 4 and 9, as both of these peptides, as noted above having shown some positive predictive value for HPgV-2 RNA positivity. It was found that this case was positive for antibodies to both peptides 4 and 9, with S/N values of 12.5 and 94.7, respectively. Thus, providing further support that detection of antibodies to selected peptides may predict active HPgV-2 infection as detected by RT-PCR.

Correlation Between Antibody Reactivity and RT-PCR Results

There appears to be a correlation between antibody reactivity to certain peptides, and a positive HPgV-2 RT-PCR result (Table 6). Reactivity to peptides 3, 4, 9, and 16 occurred in at least 2 of the 4 HPgV-2 RNA positives including the index case. Whereas reactivity to other peptides was absent or only occurred in 1 of the HPgV-2 RNA positive samples.

TABLE 6 Correlation of Antibody Test results and RT-PCR(qPCR) results for ProMedDx panel of plasmapheresis donors. HPgV-2 HPgV-2 Postive 200 HCV RNA and Ab positive samples PCR PCR predicitve from ProMedDx positive negative value* Antibody Positive for any HPgV-2 3 21 12.5% peptide (N = 24) Antibody Negative for all HPgV-2 0 176 0.0% peptides (N = 176) Antibody Positive for HPgV-2 2 6 25.0% Peptide 3 (N = 8) Antibody Positive for HPgV-2 2 3 40.0% Peptide 4 (N = 5) Antibody Positive for HPgV-2 2 4 33.3% Peptide 9 (N = 6) Antibody Positive for HPgV-2 2 5 28.6% Peptide 16 (N = 7) *Positive predictive value was determined as the number of samples that were HPgV-2 RNA positive and antibody positive for HPgV-2 peptides divided by the total number of antibody positive samples for each peptide. Strategy to Identify RT-PCR Positive Samples

The discussion above indicates that antibody reactivity has a positive predictive value for identifying RT-PCR positive samples. Thus, several populations of samples, as described below, are tested with the three peptide pools described below, followed by individual peptide testing. Samples that are reactive with individual peptides are selected for RT-PCR testing. For RT-PCR positive samples, sequencing can be performed across the genome.

Peptide Pools for Continued Testing:

The peptide pool composition has been modified as shown below:

-   -   Pool 1 contained the following peptides: P 1, 5, 7, 8, 10     -   Pool 2 contained the following peptides: P 2, 3, 4, 6, 9     -   Pool 3 contained the following peptides: P 11, 12, 13, 14         HCV RNA Positive/Anti-HCV Negative Blood Donor Samples.

A panel of 240 blood donor samples were obtained from the American Red Cross (Gaithersburg, Md.) having been identified as NAT yield samples (i.e., samples that tested as antibody negative for HCV, but were RT-PCR positive via minipool nucleic acid testing). When tested with the three peptide pools, a total of 11 samples were detected as reactive (Table 7).

TABLE 7 240 ARC Samples that were HCV RNA positive but anti-HCV antibody negative: List of sample ID numbers with positive result. HCV NAT Yield Peptide Peptide Peptide Samples (ARC) Pool 1 Pool 2 Pool 3 Sample ID S/CO* S/CO* S/CO* S0217 3.6  NR** NR S0159 1.8 NR NR S049 1.5 NR NR S0078 1.5 NR NR S0226 1.4 NR NR S0111 NR 4.3 NR S0079 NR 1.8 NR S0061 NR 1.7 NR S0177 NR 1.3 NR S0108 NR NR 1.3 S0145 NR NR 1.0 *S/CO = sample to cutoff value > 1.0 is considered reactive for antibodies to that peptide. The cutoff was determined as 10 times the signal for the negative control value. **Non-reactive Samples reactive with pooled peptides were retested with individual peptides from the reactive peptide pool as shown below. Data below indicate that 1 sample was reactive with two or more individual peptides and 11 samples were reactive only with single peptides (Table 8).

TABLE 8 Individual peptide results on HCV NAT yield samples reactive with peptide pools. Shown are signal to noise (S/N) values compared to the negative control for each peptide tested individually. RT-PCR was performed and results are indicated. Abbott ID 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PCR result 240 HCV RNA positive S0111 28 negative samples from ARC S0079 45 negative S0061 21 negative S0177 14 15 20 negative S0217 38 negative S0159 19 negative S0049 21 negative S0078 20 negative S0226 18 negative S0108 19 negative S0162 55 negative S0145 26 negative HCV RNA Positive/Anti-HCV Positive Blood Donor Samples.

A panel of 240 blood donor samples obtained from the American Red Cross (Gaithersburg Md.) were identified as HCV infected (being both antibody positive for HCV and RT-PCR positive via minipool nucleic acid testing) were tested via peptide pools. A total of 12 samples were reactive with one or more peptide pools as listed in Table 9.

TABLE 9 List of sample ID numbers with positive results from HCV RNA positive/anti-HCV positive blood donors from ARC. HCV Antibody Positive/HCV RT-PCR Peptide Peptide Peptide Positive Samples (ARC) Pool 1 Pool 2 Pool 3 Sample ID S/CO* S/CO* S/CO* S0127 6.8 NR NR S0104 4.4 NR NR S0046 1.5 NR NR S0128 NR 3.6 NR S0045 NR 2.6 NR S0178 NR 2.3 NR S0044 NR 2.2 NR S0220 NR 1.9 NR S0238 NR 1.2 NR S0141 NR 1.1 NR S0077 NR NR 1.5 S0202 NR NR 1.5 *S/CO = sample to cutoff value > 1.0 is considered reactive for antibodies to that peptide. The cutoff was determined as 10 times the signal for the negative control value. **Non-reactive

Samples reactive with pooled peptides were re-tested with individual peptides from the reactive peptide pool as shown below. Data below indicate that 5 samples were reactive with two or more individual peptides and 9 samples were reactive with single peptides (Table 10).

TABLE 10 Individual peptide results on HCV RNA positive/anti-HCV positive on ARC blood donor samples reactive with peptide pools. Shown are signal to noise (S/N) values compared to the negative control for each peptide tested individually. RT-PCR was performed and results are indicated. Abbott ID 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PCR result 240 HCV RNA and Ab S0029 7 19 11 12 25 46 16 15 12 30 35 23 28 positive positive samples from S0055 15 positive ARC S0127 164 negative S0104 152 negative S0046 136 negative S0128 69 24 positive S0045 30 negative S0178 21 negative S0044 12 18 71 negative S0220 59 negative S0238 30 46 negative S0141 30 negative S0077 15 negative S0202 14 21 negative

RT-PCR testing was performed on the 14 samples. Three samples (S029, ABT0029A.US; 50055, ABT0055A.US; and S128, ABT0128A.US) were found to be HPgV-2 RNA positive. The three HPgV-2 RNA postive samples showed reactivity to peptide 16, 2 out of 3 were reactive for peptide 9, 1 was reactive for peptide 4, and 1 was reactive for peptide 3. Whereas sample ABT0029A.US was reactive to 13 of the peptides, sample ABT0055A.US was only reactive for petpide 16, and sample ABT0128A.US was reactive to both peptide 9 and 16. The peptide reactivity data supports the utility of peptides 3, 4, 9, and 16 in detecting HPgV-2 RNA positives. Seventeen additional samples that were antibody negative for these 14 peptides were also tested by RT-PCR: all 17 samples were negative by RT-PCR.

Blood Donor Samples from Thailand

A total of 145 HIV positive blood donor samples (obtained from Thailand) were tested via the three peptide pools. A total of 6 samples were detected as reactive with one or more peptide pools as listed in Table 11.

TABLE 11 List of sample ID numbers with positive results from 145 samples collected in Thailand Peptide Peptide Peptide Thailand Samples Pool 1 Pool 2 Pool 3 Sample ID S/CO* S/CO* S/CO* S0116 17.6 NR NR S0068 NR 18.4 NR S0145 NR 17.0 NR S0027 NR NR 38.1 S0136 NR NR 16.1 S0016 NR NR 10.1 *S/CO = sample to cutoff value > 1.0 is considered reactive for antibodies to that peptide. The cutoff was determined as 10 times the signal for the negative control value. **Non-reactive Samples reactive with pooled peptides were retested with individual peptides from the reactive peptide pool as shown below. Data below indicate that all samples were reactive only single peptides (Table 12).

TABLE 12 Individual peptide results on Thailand samples reactive with peptide pools. For 145 Thailand sample: reactive to (S/CO) Run ID P1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 p8 p9 p10 p11 p12 p13 14 S0116 2.8 S0068 1.0 S0145 1.6 S0027 9.4 S0136 2.1 S0016 1.1 HIV Positive Blood Donor Samples from South Africa.

A total of 73 HIV donor samples (obtained from South Africa) that were tested with the three peptide pools. Most of the samples were from HIV-infected blood donors. A total of 4 samples were detected as reactive with one or more peptide pools as listed in Table 13.

TABLE 13 List of sample ID numbers with positive results from HIV positive blood donors from South Africa. South African Blood Donors (anti- Peptide Peptide Peptide HCV positive) Pool 1 Pool 2 Pool 3 Sample ID S/CO* S/CO* S/CO* S0027 1.3 NR NR S0009 NR 2.2 NR S0004 NR 1.6 NR S0008 NR NR 3.4 *S/CO = sample to cutoff value > 1.0 is considered reactive for antibodies to that peptide. The cutoff was determined as 10 times the signal for the negative control value. **Non-reactive Samples reactive with pooled peptides were re-tested with individual peptides from the reactive peptide pool as shown below. Data below indicate that all four samples were reactive with only single peptides (Table 14).

TABLE 14 List of ID numbers with positive results on individual peptides. For 73 S. Africa sample: reactive to (S/CO) Run ID P1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 p8 p9 p10 p11 p12 p13 14 S0027 2.1 S0009 17.0 S0004 3.2 S0008 14.9 Expanded HPgV-2 Prevalence Studies

The first seven isolates (ABT0096P, ABT0070P, ABT0188P, ABT0029A, ABT0055A, and ABT0128A), besides index case, showed a positive correlation between having an antibody response to peptides 3, 4, 9, or 16 and the presence of HPgV-2 RNA. Continued studies to investigate the presence of HPgV-2 in different populations was performed using a combination of antibody testing with a pool of peptides 3, 4, 9, 16 and the RT-PCR assay described in Example 3.

A total of 542 samples were positive for both HCV RNA and antibodies to HCV (including 200 ProMedDx samples, 240 HCV samples from ARC and a second set of 100 samples from ProMedDx). Eight of these 540 samples (1.5%) were positive for HPgV-2 RNA when screened with the KEYS qPCR multiplex assay. Six of the 8 HPgV-2 RNA positives samples from this group were reactive with one or more HPgV-2 peptides. (Two HPgV-2 RNA positive samples were obtained from individuals co-infected with HIV and HCV and were tested as negative for antibodies toHPgV-2 peptides). Overall 24 of the 540 (4.4%) samples were reactive with one or more HPgV-2 peptides: six of these 24 (25.0%) were HPgV-2 RNA positive, indicating a positive predictive value of 25.0%. The negative predictive was calculated to be 99.6%. A total of 13 of the 542 (2.4%) samples were reactive with two or more peptides and 5 of the 13 (38.5%) samples, indicating a positive predictive value for HPgV-2 RNA positivity as being 38.5%, and a negative predictive value of 99.6%.

There was a fourth set of 240 HCV RNA samples obtained from the American Red Cross (Gaithersburg, Md.) that were anti-HCV negative, and thus, were recent infections, within the preseroconversion window period. There was 1 sample among 240 (0.4%) samples that was HPgV-2 RNA positive. This sample was not reactive with any of the HPgV-2 peptides. Overall, a total of 5 of 240 (2.1%) samples were reactive with one or more HPgV-2 peptides, but none of the samples were reactive with two or more peptides.

A total of 188 samples were positive for both HBsAg and HBV DNA. None of these samples were positive for HPgV-2 RNA and a total of 3 of 188 (1.6%) samples were reactive with one or more HPgV-2 peptides. One sample was reactive with two or more peptides.

A total of 298 samples were positive for both HIV RNA and antibodies to HIV. A total of 4 of 298 (1.3%) were reactive to one or more HPgV-2 peptides and one sample was reactive for two or more peptides. One sample was positive for HPgV-2 RNA, and was reactive with on HPgV-2 peptide. Two additional samples were identified byRT-PCR screening that not detected with the peptides. The 3 RT-PCR positive samples were confirmed by RT-PCR assay but not next generation sequencing. Upon further testing it was noted that the two HPgV-2 RNA samples that were negative for HPgV-2 peptides were positive for anti-HCV (Abbott ARCHITECT anti-HCV) and HCV antigen (Abbott ARCHITECT HCV Ag). Therefore these samples are categorized as co-infected with HCV and were removed from this sample group and included in the HCV antibody positive HCV RNA positive group (Table 15 below).

A total of 463 samples were obtained from volunteer blood donors, considered to be at low risk for parenterally transmitted viruses like HCV. A total of 13 of 463 (2.8%) of samples were reactive with one or more HPgV-2 peptides. Two of the 463 (0.4%) samples were reactive with two or more peptides. None of the samples were positive for HPgV-2 RNA. (However, not all of the samples were tested using the same methodology. All 450 of the samples that were negative for antibody detection using HPgV-2 peptides were tested as negative via the multiplex RT-PCR assay. Among the 13 samples that were reactive for peptides only two were tested with the multiplex assay, both being negative. The remaining 11 samples were all tested for HPgV-2 RNA using the NS2/3 primer set and 7 of the 11 were also tested with other primer sets (E1, 5′UTR): all samples were negative for HPgV-2 RNA, as described in example 3)

A summary of the testing performed on various sample groups is found below. The frequency of HPgV-1 RNA positivity was higher than HPgV-2 RNA positivity in all of the groups tested. HPgV-2 RNA was found more frequently in HCV infected individuals than in volunteer blood donors, HBV positive individuals, and HIV infected individuals not co-infected with HCV. The frequency of HPgV-2 infection (as noted by HPgV-2 RNA or antibody detection to HPgV-2 peptides) was higher among HCV seropositive individuals, than in HCV infected individuals who are seronegative. Reactivity to two or more of peptides 4, 9, or 16 had a positive predictive value of having HPgV-2 RNA. The negative predictive value for reactivity to peptides was high in all of the groups tested.

TABLE 15 Number of samples reactive to at least one peptide from the peptide pool (3, 4, 9, 16) for the indicated sample groups. Antibody Reactive to one or more Antibody reactive to two or more peptides (%) peptides (%) Antibody Positive Negative Positive Negative Reactive/ HPgV-1 RNA HPgV-2 RNA Positive Predictive Predictive Positive Predictive Predictive PCR Group positive (%) positive (%) (%) value* Value** (%) value* Value** negative − HCV Ab+/PCR+ 40 8 (1.5%) 24 (4.4%) 6/24 (25%) 518/520 13 (2.4%)  5/13 (38.5%) 529/531 18/534  (n = 542*) (7.4%) (99.6%) (99.6%) (3.4%) HCV Ab−/PCR+ nt 1 (0.4%)  5 (2.1%) 0/5 (0%) 239/240 0 (0%)   N/A 239/240 5/239 (n = 240) (99.6%) (99.6%) (2.1%) HIV (n = 296) 29/275 1 (0.3%)  4 (1.3%)   1/4 (25.0%) 288/292 1 (0.3%) 0/1 294/295 1/295 (10.5%)  (98.6%)  (99.%) (0.3%) HBV (n = 188)  6 0/0 (0%)    3 (1.6%) N/A 185/188 0/0 (0.0%)   N/A 188/188 3/188 (3.2%) (98.4%)  (100%)-- (1.6%) Blood donors 19/452 0/0 (0%)   13 (2.8%) N/A 450/463 2 (0.4%) N/A 461/463 13/463  (n = 463) (4.2%) (97.2%)  (99.4%)-- (2.8%) Grand total  94/1457 10 (0.6%)  40 (2.3%) 7/10 (70%)   40/1708 (n = 1729) (6.4%) (2.3%) *Positive predictive value was determined as the number of samples that were HPgV-2 RNA positive and antibody positive for HPgV-2 peptides divided by the total number of antibody positive samples **Negative predictive value was determine as the number of samples that were negative for antibodies to HPgV-2 peptides minus the number of HPgV-2 RNA positive samples divided by the total number samples negative for antibodies to HPgV-2 peptides ***Includes co-infected HCV/HIV samples (n = 2), not confirmed by NGS.

A total of 11 HPgV-2 RNA positive samples (including the index case) have been identified among 1729 samples tested (Table 16). A total of 782 of the 1729 (45.2%) of samples were obtained from HCV infected individuals. Ten of the 11 HPgV-2 RNA positive samples were found among individuals infected with HCV, suggesting that this virus may share a similar transmission pattern as HCV (parenteral exposure). For HPgV-1, the prevalence of HPgV-1 RNA was highest in the HIV population (10.5%), was relatively high in HCV infected persons (7.4%), and was detected in volunteer blood donors (4.2%), indicating that active infection with HPgV-1 is much more common than HPgV-2, for the populations studied.

As noted above, there were 40 samples among 1729 samples that were reactive to antibodies to HPgV-2 peptides. Seven of these 40 samples were HPgV-2 RNA positive. A total of 7 of the 10 (70%) HPgV-2 RNA positives were antibody reactive. The remaining 33 antibody reactive results were noted among 1719 tested samples, resulting in a frequency of 1.9%. As noted below, several of the HPgV-2 RNA positive samples are reactive to 2 or more peptides.

TABLE 22 HPgV-2 HCV Viral load Ab/ RNA GBV-C HIV Peptide reactivity (S/CO) Log RNA HPgV-2 isolate RNA only RNA RNA 3 4 9 16 copies/ml UC0125.US + − nt − nt 1.3 9.7 nt 6.2 ABT0096P.US + − − − 1.6 3.5 9.0 20.7  3.5 ABT0070P.US + − − − — — 5.3 1.1 5.2 ABT0188P.US + − − − 1.7 5.2 — — 2.5 ABT0055A.US + − − − 1.0 — — 1.5 3.8 ABT0029A.US + − + − — 1.0 1.2 2.8 4.6 ABT0128A.US + − − − — — 6.9 2.4 4.5 ABT0239.AN.US − + − − — — — — 5.8 ABT0100P.US − − − + — — 16.3  — nt ABT0030P.US + − − + — — — — nt ABT0035P.US + − + + — — — — nt

Example 5 Next Generation Sequencing of ABT0070P.US, ABT0096P.US and ABT0128A.US

The qPCR positive samples in Example 3.1 were probed by conventional RT-PCR as described in Example 2. Only ABT0070P.US was reactive with primers in NS5A: 6914F and 7213R (SEQ IDs 44 & 45) and in NS2-NS3: 3334F & 3708R (SEQ IDs 34 & 35) and products subsequently shown by Sanger sequencing to align to UC0125.US. All three samples were extracted and prepared for NGS as described in Example 2. Read mappings from multiple MiSeq runs were extracted and combined.

A total of 98,017 NGS reads from sample ABT0070P.US mapped to SEQ ID NO:1, covering 93% of the HPg-V2 genome. Coverage depth was 1133X±1364 reads/nucleotide, with a short gap (>20 nt) present at the 5′ end, four internal gaps within the region of nt 2600-3400 in SEQ ID 1 totaling approximately 300 missing bases, and the final 354 nt lacking at the 3′end. The missing 5′ end was filled in by PCR and Sanger sequencing of products from 44F-342R (SEQ ID NO:12 &13) reactions. The internal gaps were covered by 10 overlapping amplicons located in the X-NS3 region using the primers listed in Table 1 (SEQ ID NO: 16-35). The resulting consensus sequence (SEQ ID NO: 75) combining the NGS and Sanger data is shown in FIG. 9 and annotated in FIG. 10. Table 16 reports the number of amino acid mismatches and the percentage identity compared to UC0125.US, which ranged from 90-97%, depending on the protein.

A total of 5,099 NGS reads from sample ABT0096P.US mapped to SEQ ID NO:1, covering 57% of the HPg-V2 genome. Coverage depth was 33X±112 reads/nucleotide, with gaps seen throughout the length of the genome. Sample 128 only had 116 NGS reads, primarily concentrated into 2 regions: 740-975 and 2130-2270. A nucleotide alignment of these 3 additional cases to UC0125.US is shown in FIG. 11.

Four additional strains of HPgV-2 in HCV co-infected patients have been uncovered through our screening efforts and sequenced by NGS (see below). Using both gene-specific and random-primed NGS approaches, in concert with traditional RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing, the current genome sequence coverage of each strain is reported. The 5′ends of viruses were obtained by SMARTer PCR cDNA synthesis (see FIG. 23A). The 3′end of ABT0070P.US was determined by 3′RACE and for ABT0029A.US and ABT0239AN.US by using RT-PCR, supplementing reactions with 2% DMSO (see FIG. 23DD-EE).

TABLE 17 HCV positive specimens % Genome Coverage Length UC0125.US 99.8 9847 nt ABT0070P.US 100.0 9867 nt ABT0029A.US 100.0 9867 nt ABT0239AN.US 100.0 9867 nt ABT0128A.US 92.3 9109 nt ABT0055A.US 78.3 7724 nt ABT0096P.US 58.0 5726 nt ABT0188P.US 4.0  394 nt ABT0030P.US 99.4 9812 nt ABT0041P.US 97.7 9645 nt

A total of eight HPgV-2 isolates have now been identified in patients co-infected with HCV (above). Recent screening in a US population of HIV+ patients from ProMedDx has revealed 6 additional strains that have been confirmed by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing: ABT0084H.US, ABT0086H.US, ABT0100H.US, ABT0198H.US, ABT0030P.US, and ABT0041P.US (sequences not shown).

A total of ten HPgV-2 isolates have now been identified in patients co-infected with HCV (above). Recent screening in a US population of HIV+ patients from ProMedDx has revealed 4 additional strains that have been confirmed by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing: ABT0084H.US, ABT0086H.US, ABT0100H.US, and ABT0198H.US (sequences not shown).

TABLE 21 HIV positive specimens % Genome Coverage Length ABT0084H.US 3.3 325 nt ABT0086H.US 1.6 163 nt ABT0100H.US 4.3 421 nt ABT0198H.US 1.7 168 nt

This brings the total to 14 isolates of HPgV-2 and demonstrates that infection with this virus, for example, is not restricted to individuals co-infected with HCV as originally believed. An alignment of some of the full and nearly complete genomes is shown in FIG. 23.

A multiple sequence alignment of HPgV-2 (UC0125.US) and ABT0070P.US along with 29 representative flaviviruses was performed in Geneious v6.1 (Kearse, et al., 2012, Bioinformatics), using MAFFT v7.0 with the E-INS-I algorithm and at default parameters Katoh, et al., Mol Biol Evol, 2013), followed by refinement using MUSCLE v3.8 with 10 maximum iterative cycles (Edgar, Nuc Acids Res, 2004). Phylogenetic trees were constructed in Geneious using the Jukes-Cantor model and neighbor joining algorithm with 10,000 bootstrap replicates used to calculate branch supports. These tree topologies were then refined using a maximum likelihood Bayesian approach with MrBayes V3.2 software (1,000,000 sample trees, 10% of trees discarded as burn-in, convergence defined at an average standard deviation of <0.01). Each tree was rooted with dengue virus type 1 (DENV1) and yellow fever virus (YFV) as outgroups. Analysis was performed on entire polyprotein sequences, as well as on NS3 and NS5B proteins individually (FIG. 12). Two major branches distinguish pegiviruses from hepaciviruses in the Flavivirus family. Within the pegivirus branch, ABT0070P.US clusters tightly with UC0125.US, with the branch supported by a bootstrap value of 100%. Both strains share a common, albeit distant, ancestor with bat and rodent pegiviruses, with a bootstrap value of 99.95%. This demonstrates that HPgV-2 is a human pegivirus distinct from pegiviruses previously identified in mammals.

Example 6 Purification of HPgV-2 E2 Glycoprotein and Serology with HPgV-2 PCR+/Ab+ Samples

Expression, Purification, Characterization of HPgV-2 E2 in Mammalian Cells.

This example describes the design, expression, and purification of the HPgV-2 glycoprotein E2 from mammalian cells. An expression plasmid encoding the E2 ORF sequence up to the predicted transmembrane region (SEQ ID NO:406) was constructed using a pcDNA3.1 derived vector containing a mouse Ig kappa light chain leader sequence for protein secretion.

SEQ ID 406: Coding sequence of E2-cassette atgagagttcctgcacaattattaggattattattattatggtttcctggatctaggtgctacaagcaccagagcgagagctacctgaagtattgt acaattacaaatacatctacaagcatgaactgcgattgcccttttggcaccttcaccaggaatacagagtctagattttctattcctagattttgt ccagtgaagatcaatagcagcaccttcatctgctcttggggatcttggtggtggtttgctgaaaatattacaagaccttatacagatgtgggaatg cctccagctccaatttctgctctgtgttacatctacagcaataatgatcctcctccttggtatcataataccaccatcattcctcagaactgcaga aatagcaccgttgatcctacaacagaccttgtagagataaatggggaaatgctacagcttgtattatgacagaagaagcagattagcggcgattgt tatggaggatgatttacacaaatggaagccatgatagatatgggatagatgtggaatcggctacagagatggactgattgaatagttcagttaggc cagattagacccaatatcagcaatacaaccatcgaactgatgctggagcttattagttattgatctggattaagacctggatttggatgttctaga gacatggagttgtgcactgctatagatgtccttatacagagatttagagcaatttggacctggacttggaaaatgggtgcattacctggagaacct gttcctgaattatgtattaatcctcaatgggctagaagaggattcagaatgagcaataaccactgtctagctgcagacatttgttgaagatatctt tatgcccattctgtaatcctacacctggaagagttagagtgtgcaacaatacagccttttatcctagaggaggaggatttgttcaacttattggcg atgttcaggttctgacccctaatacaggatctggatctggacatcatcatcatcatcatcatcactaa An 8× Histidine tag was cloned in frame at the carboxy terminus of the E2 ORF for purification. The plasmid encoding HPgV-2 E2 was transiently transfected into HEK293-6E (human embryonic kidney—6E) suspension cells using Lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif., USA). After 6 days the cell cultures were centrifuged (1200 rpm 10 min) and the supernatant was collected. The supernatant was concentrated using an Amicon Ultra filter (EMD Millipore, Billerica, Mass., USA). Cells were lysed on ice for 30 minutes using phospho-buffered saline (PBS) with 1% triton X-100. Cell debris was spun down by centrifugation for 10 minutes at 15000 rpm, the supernatant was collected. Cell lysates and concentrated supernatants were run on a 4-20% SDS PAGE gradient gel (Novex by Life Technologies Carlsbad, Calif., USA) and Western blot was performed using the WesternBreeze kit (Novex by Life Technologies) in conjunction with an anti-His alkaline phosphatase (AP) conjugated primary antibody (Novex by Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif., USA). Protein was visualized using the BCIP/NBT chromagen staining (Novex by Life Technologies) and the Bio-Rad Imager (BioRad GelDoc EZ Imager using Image Lab v4.0 software). The predicted molecular weight of the expressed HPgV-2 E2 construct is 39.6 kDa. HPgV-2 E2 from the cell lysate ran at approximately 50 kDa and the concentrated HPgV-2 E2 from the supernatant ran a range of molecular weights between 50-75 kDa suggesting glycosylation of the secreted form of the protein (FIG. 24A), which may cause the protein to migrate more slowly during electrophoresis.

HPgV-2 E2 from concentrated supernatant was purified under native conditions using a nickel (Ni+) agarose packed affinity column (His Bind resin, Novagen, EMD Millipore, Billerica, Mass., USA). Unbound material (flow-through) and eluted bound material was run on a 4-20% SDS-PAGE gel followed by staining with Oriole protein stain (Bio-Rad) or Western blotted using an anti-His-AP antibody (WesternBreeze, Novex by Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif., USA). Protein staining showed multiple molecule weights of bound and eluted material between 50-70 kDa (FIG. 24B), consistent with size detected by initial Western blot of HPgV-2 E2 transfected cell supernatants (FIG. 24A). Western blot showed multiple molecular weight bands between 60-70 kDa (FIG. 24C).

PNGase F (Peptide-N-Glycosidase F) treatment of purified HPgV-2 E2 was performed to confirm the larger than estimated molecular weight of the purified protein was due to post-translational glycosylation. HPgV-2 has 10 potential asparagine-linked glycosylation sites which can shift electrophoretic mobility of the 39.6 kDa predicted molecular weight. PNGase F is an enzyme that specifically cleaves between the innermost GlcNAc and asparagine residues of N-linked glycoproteins. Purified HPgV-2 E2 was denatured and incubated with PNGase F (New England Biolabs (NEB), Ipswich, Mass., USA) for 1 hour at 37° C. followed by SDS-PAGE analysis of treated and untreated proteins (FIG. 24D). Purified HPgV-2 E2 untreated with PNGase F had a molecular weight 60-70 kDa, PNGase F treated HPgV-2 E2 had a molecular weight closer to the 37 kDa marker by SDS-PAGE gel. The PNGase F treated E2 ran closer to the predicted molecular weight suggesting the majority of the protein was deglycosylated.

Additionally, a plasmid encoding HPgV-1 (GBV-C) E2 without the carboxy terminal transmembrane domain was also expressed in a mammalian expression vector as described above. Upon expression in mammalian cells the protein is secreted as a fusion with a 8× hisitidine tag at the carboxy terminus.

Serology Testing of Purified HpGV-2 E2 with PCR+/Ab+ Samples.

Antibodies against the purified HPgV-2 E2 in PCR+/Ab+ samples were assessed by performing a slot blot containing dilutions of HPgV-2 purified E2 protein. Purified protein was bound to nitrocellulose membrane at a titration of 0.1 ug/ml, 1 ug/ml, 10 ug/ml, and 100 ug/ml. Unbound protein was washed away and membranes were air-dried. 1:100 dilutions of PCR+/Ab+ samples ABT0096P, ABT0070P, ABT0188P, and ABT0055A were incubated with the slot blots. These samples were reactive to a pool of HPgV-2 peptides (3, 4, 9, and 16). Negative controls were normal human plasma and samples negative for HPgV-2 RNA and negative for antibodies to the pool of HPgV-2 peptides 3, 4, 9, and 16. Antibodies were visualized using a goat anti-human secondary antibody conjugated to alkaline phosphatase and BCIP/NBT chromogen substrate (FIG. 25). The HPgV-2 PCR+/Ab+ samples tested had strongly detectable antibodies to the 100 ug band and were faintly reactive to the 10 ug E2 band. This data shows that PCR+ individuals make antibodies to the native form of HPgV-2 E2. Further studies need to be done to determine if E2 antibodies are present following viremia. Also this data indicates that HPgV-2 is a serologic marker of infection. Additionally a panel of samples from first-time plasmapheresis donors, testing positive for, both by an antibody test for HCV (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park Ill. 60064) and a HCV RNA test (Bayer Versant HCV RNA 3.0 assay (from ProMedDx, Norton, Mass.)) were used to probe the slot blots (FIG. 25—samples ABT0045P, ABT0141P, ABT0178P, ABT0065P).

Samples which were HPgV-2 RNA positive and positive for antibodies to the peptides were used to validate the utility of purified HPgV-2 E2 when coated onto a solid phase microparticle and used in an ARCHITECT assay (See Example 4). Briefly, Spherotech magnetic microparticles (Lake Forest, Ill., USA) were coated with 100 ug/ml of purified E2 protein using N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodimide hydrochloride (EDAC, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo. 63103) to crosslink the purified protein to the magnetic microparticle. The E2 coupled microparticles were run with selected HPgV-2 RNA positive samples in an indirect immunoassay using the ABBOTT ARCHITECT instrument (described above, Example 3) where bound antibodies from the sample were detected with a mouse anti-human acridinium conjugated secondary antibody (Table 18). Additionally samples negative for HPgV-2 RNA and antibody response were tested with the E2 coated microparticles. Samples reactive on the slot blot were also reactive when HPgV-2 E2 was coated onto microparticles and used in an ARCHITECT assay (Table 18).

TABLE 18 ARCHITECT assay using HPgV-2 coated microparticles. Signal to cut-off (S/CO) was set at 10 times NC. A sample was considered positive (reactive) for antibodies to HPgV-2 E2 when the S/CO > 1. Samples ABT0029A and ABT0128A had elevated signals but not over the cut-off. Abs to HPgV-2 peptide pool Abs to purified sample HPgV-2 RNA+ 3, 4, 9, 16 S/CO HPgV-2 E2 S/CO NC Neg Neg — ABT0029A Pos Pos 0.6 ABT0055A Pos Pos 6.6 ABT0070P Pos Pos 4.1 ABT0096P Pos Pos 6.4 ABT0128A Pos Pos 0.9 ABT0188P Pos Pos 15.7 ABT0239A Pos Neg .05 HPgV-2 RNA negative/Antibody negative samples ABT0045P Neg Neg .07 ABT0141P Neg Neg .004 ABT0178P Neg Neg .02 ABT0065P Neg Neg .007

Within the HPgV-2 RNA positive samples, the correlation between having antibodies to the peptides and antibodies to the E2 protein was high. 4 out of 6 HPgV-2 RNA positive samples had a detectable antibody response which was over 10 times the negative control signal to the E2 recombinant protein coated microparticles. The remaining 2 samples had elevated signals over background suggesting there is a mild antibody response, which may be detected upon further optimization of the assay A population of normal human donor plasma (n=100) was also screened for reactivity to HPgV-2 E2 to indicate current or past infection. No samples were detected with a signal to cutoff (S/CO) greater than 1 suggesting HPgV-2 is a low frequency endemic virus in the US population.

Because many of the HPgV-2 RNA+ samples also have antibodies to HPgV-1 E2, cross-reactivity to either HPgV-1 or -2 E2 was evaluated. A blocking experiment was performed where purified HPgV-1 or -2 E2 was prebound to a sample that was HPgV-1 E2 Ab+ and HPgV-2 RNA+/E2Ab+. The sample prebound to with either HPgV-1 or HPgV-2 was used to probe a slot blot containing both purified HPgV-1 and HPgV-2 E2 glycoproteins. Pre-binding with HPgV-2 E2 reduced binding to the purified HPgV-2 E2 on the slot blot and pre-binding with HPgV-1 E2 reduced binding of the sample to HPgV-1 E2 (FIG. 26). There was a minimal decrease in binding to the heterologous proteins not used in the pre-binding suggesting the immunoreactivity detected by slot blot analysis is specific.

Example 7 Expression, Purification, and Serology Using HPgV-2 NS4A/4B Fusion Protein

Design, Expression, and Purification of Plasmid Containing NS4A/4B Fusion in Esherichia coli (E. coli).

This example describes the design of a maltose binding protein fusion to domains of the HPgV-2 proteins NS4A and NS4B and the subsequent expression and purification from E. coli. Briefly, using the Protean 3D program (DNASTAR, Madison, Wis., USA) a 81 amino acid segment of HPgV-2 NS4A-4B was predicted to have cytoplasmic localization (SEQ ID NO:407).

Nucleic acid sequence of encoded 81 amino acid HPgV-2 NS4A-4B peptide (SEQ: 407): ATG GCC CTT GTT CCC AGC GCT GTG TGG AGT GTT GAA GTC CGC CCC GCA GGC GTG ACG CGC CCT GAT GCC ACC GAT GAA ACC GCT GCG TAC GCT CAA CGC TTG TAT CAG GCC TGC GCC GAT TCA GGT ATC TTT GCG TCA CTT CAA GGA ACC GCG AGT GCG GCG TTG GGC AAG CTG GCG GAT GCC TCG CGT GGC GCG AGT CAA TAC CTG GCA GCC GCC CCA CCA TCA CCT GCC CCA CTG GTG CAG GTA TTA

This region was chosen for expression in the pMAL-C5X vector that allows for an amino-terminal maltose binding fusion and a 6× histidine tag was designed at the C-terminal end of the construct, all under an IPTG inducible promoter (Genscript, Piscataway, N.J., USA). The construct was expressed in the BL21 E. coli strain and following IPTG induction for four hours at 37 C the cells were lysed and the soluble protein was purified using Probond nickel purification system (Invitrogen, Grand Island, N.Y., USA). A Western blot was performed (WesternBreeze, Invitrogen, Grand Island, N.Y., USA) using an anti-His antibody (Invitrogen, Grand Island, N.Y., USA) and a single band at 50 kDa was detected (42 kDa MBP+8 kDa NS4AB) in the eluted material (FIG. 27A).

To validate the purified material both slot blot and an indirect ARCHITECT immunoassay were performed using known HPgV-2 RNA positive samples. For the slot blot, 10 and 100 ug of purified material was passively bound to a nitrocellulose membrane (Invitrogen, Grand Island, N.Y., USA) followed by washing away unbound protein and blocking of the membrane. Antibodies to the purified NS4AB were detected using slot blots containing bound NS4AB for the samples ABT0055A, ABT0096P, ABT0188P and not for the negative control plasma (FIG. 27B). Bound antibodies were detected using a goat anti-human alkaline phosphatase conjugated secondary antibody (SouthernBiotech, Birmingham, Ala., USA) conjugated to alkaline phosphatase, colormeric detection was provided by BCIP/NBT substrate (SigmaFAST, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo. 63103).

To test the purified NS4AB protein in an automated immunoassay, Spherotech magnetic microparticles (Lake Forest, Ill., USA) were coated with 50 ug/ml of purified NS4AB protein using N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodimide hydrochloride (EDAC, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo. 63103) to crosslink the purified protein to the magnetic microparticle. The NS4AB coupled microparticles were run with selected HPgV-2 RNA positive samples in an indirect immunoassay using the ABBOTT ARCHITECT instrument (described above, Example 3) where bound antibodies from the sample were detected with a mouse anti-human acridinium conjugated secondary antibody (Table 19).

TABLE 19 Indirect assay of antibodies to NS4AB in HPgV-2 RNA positive samples. sample S/CO* ABT0029A 1.4 ABT0055A 0.4 ABT0070P 14.8 ABT0096P 9.8 ABT0128A 0.8 ABT0188P 1.9 *S/CO = signal/cut-off. S/CO > 1 is considered reactive for antibodies to NS4AB protein. The cut-off was determined as 10 times the signal for the negative control. A population of normal human donor plasma (n=100) was also screened for reactivity to HPgV-2 NS4AB to indicate current or past infection. No samples were detected with a signal to cutoff (S/CO) greater than 1 suggesting HPgV-2 is a low frequency endemic virus in the US population.

Example 8 Detection of HPgV-2 Antigens and Generation of Hyperimmune Serum in Rabbits

New Zealand Rabbits approximately 1 year of age were selected for the generation of antibodies to HPgV-2 peptides. For the first immunization, each rabbit was inoculated with 1.0 mg of peptides (peptides 4, 5, and 9 from Table 3, Example 4) solubilized in 0.9% saline mixed with 0.5 ml of adjuvant. Approximately 10 weeks after the first immunization serum was obtained from the rabbits and tested for antibodies to the immugens. The rabbits were immunized five additional times over the next 8 months.

Antibody production was determined for each rabbit by using an indirect assay on the ARCHITECT. The assay format utilized 800 ng/ml of each respective biotinylated peptide diluted into a buffered solution along with 10 ul of rabbit serum and 0.05% of microparticles coated with streptavidin for capturing peptide/antibody complexes via the biotin tag on each peptide. After an18 minute incubation, the magnetic microparticles were washed and reacted with a conjugate diluent containing 10 ng/ml of acridinylated goat anti-rabbit IgG to detect rabbit antibodies bound to the solid phased via immunocomplex. Samples were diluted 1:100 in ARCHITECT wash buffer solution prior to testing. The signal (S) expressed in relative light units (flu) for the negative control (NC) rabbit (not inoculated with any of the HPgV-2 peptides) ran between 197 and 251. The S/N values were obtained for the five rabbits immunized with HPgV-2 peptides are found in Table 20. The S/N values for rabbits 13212 and 13213 were 1195 and 1131.1 for reactivity to peptide 4, rabbits 13214 and 13215 were 1056 and 1160 for peptide 5, and rabbit 13216 was 849 for peptide 9, all rabbits were negative for peptides they were not immunized against. Rabbits showed specific antibodies for the immunogen peptides (Table 20) and antibodies were not cross reactive to the other HPgV-2 peptides. Thus these hyperimmune sera can be utilized to determine the presence of HPgV-2 antigens in various tissues (blood) or organs (liver, etc) and may be useful in determining the cell tropism of this virus.

TABLE 20 Serum from rabbits immunized with HPgV-2 peptides show specific reactivity to the immunogen sequence. Rabbit Immunogen peptide Testing with 800 ng/ml BT-peptides Number (Genscript) peptide 4 peptide 5 peptide 9 1st bleed 13212 PV4A (peptide 4) 1195.0 0.7 0.5 13213 PV4A (peptide 4) 1131.1 1.5 1.0 13214 PV5A (peptide 5) 1.2 1055.9 0.6 13215 PV5A (peptide 5) 1.6 1160.0 0.8 13216 PV9A (peptide 9) 1.1 1.4 849.4 Bleeds from HPgV-2 peptide immunized, or non-immunized rabbit serum (NC) were assayed for peptide specific antibodies by ARCHITECT indirect assay. Shown are the relative light units (rlus) for the negative control (non-immunized rabbit serum) and the signal to noise (S/N) for each rabbit immunized with the indicated peptides.

All publications and patents mentioned in the present application are herein incorporated by reference. Various modification and variation of the described methods and compositions of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in the relevant fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method of detecting human Pegivirus 2 (HPgV-2) specific antibodies in a subject comprising: a) contacting a sample from a subject suspected of containing an antibody to HPgV-2 with a HPgV-2 peptide, wherein said peptide specifically binds said antibody to form a complex, and wherein said HPgV-2 peptide comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:86-99 and 100-218; and b) detecting whether said antibody is present in said sample by detecting binding between said antibody and said peptide.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said amino acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 129-132.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said amino acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 163-166.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said amino acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 209-212.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said amino acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 213-218.
 6. The method of claim 1, where said amino acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 209-218.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said HPgV-2 peptide comprises a label.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising contacting said sample with a solid support comprising moieties that bind said label.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising incubating said sample under conditions such that: i) said HPgV-2 peptide specifically binds said antibody to form a complex, and ii) said complex binds to said solid support via said label binding at least one of said moieties.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising washing said solid support.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising adding to said sample a detectably labeled secondary antibody capable of binding the antibody in said complex. 